Composition and process for enhancing bio-mass production in greenhouses

ABSTRACT

The instant invention relates to a thermoplastic polymer composition useful in greenhouse films to enhance plant growth or in general bio-mass production. Further aspects of the invention are a process for enhancing plant growth in greenhouses by incorporating a photoactive additive together with light stabilizers into the greenhouse film and the use of the condensation product of dialkylamino benzaldehyde and barbituric acid together with light stabilizers as a plant growth enhancing additive in polymeric greenhouse films.

[0001] The instant invention relates to a thermoplastic polymercomposition useful in greenhouse films to enhance plant growth or ingeneral bio-mass production. Further aspects of the invention are aprocess for enhancing plant growth in greenhouses by incorporating aphotoactive additive together with light stabilizers into the greenhousefilm and the use of the condensation product of dialkylaminobenzaldehyde and barbituric acid together with light stabilizers as aplant growth enhancing additive in polymeric greenhouse films.

[0002] It is well known in the art that some types of crops are degradedby the UV-components of solar radiation, which must be filtered off toobtain high quality and productivity of the crops. Additionally, somemicroorganisms, e.g. Botrytis Cinerea, as well as some harmful insects,e.g. white flies, aphides, thrips or leafminers, can proliferate underspecific UV-irradiation. These pests can be significantly reduced whenUV light does not or to less extent reach the plants. [R. Reuveni etal., Development of photoselective PE films for control of foliarpathogens in greenhouse-grown crops, Plasticulture No. 102, p. 7 (1994);Y. Antignus et al., The use of UV absorbing plastic sheets to protectcrops against insects and spread of virus diseases, CIPA Congress March1997, pp.23-33]. On the other hand, bee activity, requiring a certainband of UV radiation, needs to be retained in greenhouses in order toensure fructification on flowering plants, e.g. tomato, cucumber,pumpkin etc.

[0003] Plant growth is regulated by photosynthesis, photomorphogenesisand the photoperiodicity. All these processes require light andcontribute in a unique way to the plant development. If the spectrum ofthe outside solar radiation can be significantly modified by the opticalproperties of the agricultural film covering a greenhouse, a change inplant growth may occur. Changes in the radiation transmitted by theagricultural film induce photo-synthetic and photo-morphogenic effectsand can result in modifications of the architecture and shape of theplants with significant consequence on the value of the crop.

[0004] The condensation product of dialkylamino benzaldehyde andbarbituric acid enhances plant growth in greenhouses, when incorporatedinto the thermoplastic polymer film covering the greenhouse. A part ofthe near UV light is filtered out by this condensation product andtransformed into fluorescent light of substantially longer wavelength,which is believed to be responsible for the faster growth of manyplants.

[0005] This condensation product alone is photochemical not sufficientlystable to ensure the desired effect for a certain time. It has now beensurprisingly found that the combined use of the condensation productwith a UV-absorber or/and with a sterically hindered amine significantlyprolongs the lifetime of the polymer film. The fluorescence of thecondensation product remains high and the plant growth effect isretained over a long time. Although the UV-absorber filters off UV lightfrom the fluorescing condensation product, the fluorescence yield of thelatter remains high enough to ensure the desired plant growth effect.The condensation product itself is colored absorbing mainly in the nearUV range, whereas the Stokes shift of the fluorescence light is large,emitting light of reddish color. This fluorescence increases the lighttransmitted in the red region of the visible light spectrum (maximumemission approximately at 635 nm) with significant effects on crop'syield and quality, such as stem's length, thickness and growing cycle.

[0006] The product is very good compatible with a variety of polymersand with other frequently used additives.

[0007] One aspect of the invention is a polymer composition foragricultural applications in the form of films for greenhouses and smalltunnel covers, films or filaments for shading nets and screens, mulchfilms, non-wovens or molded articles for the protection of young plantscomprising

[0008] a) a thermoplastic polymer;

[0009] b) the condensation product of

[0010]  wherein R₁₀₁ and R₁₀₂ are independently hydrogen or C₁-C₁₈alkyl;

[0011] c1) a UV-absorber; or

[0012] c2) a sterically hindered amine, containing at least one radicalof the formula

[0013]  in which R is hydrogen or methyl; or

[0014] c3) a UV-absorber and a sterically hindered amine, containing atleast one radical of the formula

[0015]  in which R is hydrogen or methyl.

[0016] Preferably the UV-absorber is selected from the group consistingof benzotriazole UV-absorbers, benzophenone UV-absorbers,hydroxyphenyl-triazine UV-absorbers and oxalic anilide UV-absorbers ormixtures thereof.

[0017] In a specific embodiment of the invention the hydroxybenzophenoneis of formula I

[0018] the 2-hydroxyphenylbenzotriazole is of formula IIa, IIb or IIc

[0019] the 2-hydroxyphenyltriazine is of formula III

[0020] and the oxanilide is of formula (IV)

[0021] in the compounds of the formula (I) v is an integer from 1 to 3and w is 1 or 2 and the substituents Z independently of one another arehydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl or alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbon atoms;

[0022] in the compounds of the formula (IIa),

[0023] R₁ is hydrogen, alkyl having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, phenylalkylhaving 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety, cycloalkyl having 5 to 8carbon atoms or a radical of the formula

[0024]  in which

[0025] R₄ and R₅ independently of one another are alkyl having in eachcase 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or R₄, together with the radicalC_(n)H_(2n+1−m), forms a cycloalkyl radical having 5 to 12 carbon atoms,

[0026] m is 1 or 2, n is an integer from 2 to 20 and

[0027] M is a radical of the formula —COOR₆ in which

[0028] R₆ is hydrogen, alkyl having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, alkoxyalkylhaving in each case 1 to 20 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety and in thealkoxy moiety or phenylalkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkylmoiety,

[0029] R₂ is hydrogen, halogen, alkyl having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, andphenylalkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety, and

[0030] R₃ is hydrogen, chlorine, alkyl or alkoxy having in each case 1to 4 carbon atoms or —COOR₆ in which R₆ is as defined above, at leastone of the radicals R₁ and R₂ being other than hydrogen;

[0031] in the compounds of the formula (IIb)

[0032] T is hydrogen or alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms,

[0033] T₁ is hydrogen, chlorine or alkyl or alkoxy having in each case 1to 4 carbon atoms,

[0034] n is 1 or 2 and,

[0035] if n is 1,

[0036] T₂ is chlorine or a radical of the formula —OT₃ or

[0037] and,

[0038] if n is 2, T₂ is a radical of the formula

[0039]  or —O—T₉—O—;

[0040] in which

[0041] T₃ is hydrogen, alkyl which has 1 to 18 carbon atoms and isunsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 3 hydroxyl groups or by —OCOT₆,alkyl which has 3 to 18 carbon atoms, is interrupted once or severaltimes by —O— or —NT₆— and is unsubstituted or substituted by hydroxyl or—OCOT₆, cycloalkyl which has 5 to 12 carbon atoms and is unsubstitutedor substituted by hydroxyl and/or alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms,alkenyl which has 2 to 18 carbon atoms and is unsubstituted orsubstituted by hydroxyl, phenylalkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in thealkyl moiety, or a radical of the formula —CH₂CH(OH)—T₇ or

[0042] T₄ and T₅ independently of one another are hydrogen, alkyl having1 to 18 carbon atoms, alkyl which has 3 to 18 carbon atoms and isinterrupted once or several times by —O— or —NT₆—, cycloalkyl having 5to 12 carbon atoms, phenyl, phenyl which is substituted by alkyl having1 to 4 carbon atoms, alkenyl having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, phenylalkylhaving 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety or hydroxyalkyl having 2to 4 carbon atoms,

[0043] T₆ is hydrogen, alkyl having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, cycloalkylhaving 5 to 12 carbon atoms, alkenyl having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, phenyl,phenyl which is substituted by alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms,phenylalkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety,

[0044] T₇ is hydrogen, alkyl having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, phenyl whichis unsubstituted or substituted by hydroxyl, phenylalkyl having 1 to 4carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety, or —CH₂OT₈,

[0045] T₈ is alkyl having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, alkenyl having 3 to 8carbon atoms, cycloalkyl having 5 to 10 carbon atoms, phenyl, phenylwhich is substituted by alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or phenylalkylhaving 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety,

[0046] T₉ is alkylene having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, alkenylene having 4 to8 carbon atoms, alkynylene having 4 carbon atoms, cyclohexylene,alkylene which has 2 to 8 carbon atoms and is interrupted once orseveral times by —O—, or a radical of the formula—CH₂CH(OH)CH₂OT₁₁OCH₂CH(OH)CH₂— or —CH₂—C(CH₂OH)₂—CH₂—,

[0047] T₁₀ is alkylene which has 2 to 20 carbon atoms and can beinterrupted once or several times by —O—, or cyclohexylene,

[0048] T₁₁ is alkylene having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, alkylene which has 2to 18 carbon atoms and is interrupted once or several times by —O—,1,3-cyclohexylene, 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,3-phenylene or 1,4-phenylene, or

[0049] T₁₀ and T₆, together with the two nitrogen atoms, are apiperazine ring;

[0050] in the compounds of formula (IIc)

[0051] R′₂ is C₁-C₁₂alkyl and k is a number from 1 to 4;

[0052] in the compounds of the formula (III)

[0053] u is 1 or 2 and r is an integer from 1 to 3, the substituents

[0054] Y₁ independently of one another are hydrogen, hydroxyl, phenyl,or halogen, halogenomethyl, alkyl having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, alkoxyhaving 1 to 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 18 carbon atoms which issubstituted by a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl);

[0055] if u is 1,

[0056] Y₂ is alkyl having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, phenyl which isunsubstituted or substituted by hydroxyl, halogen, alkyl or alkoxyhaving 1 to 18 carbon atoms;

[0057] alkyl which has 1 to 12 carbon atoms and is substituted by —COOH,—COOY₈, —CONH₂, —CONHY₉, —CONY₉Y₁₀, —NH₂, —NHY₉, —NY₉Y₁₀, —NHCOY₁₁, —CNand/or —OCOY₁₁;

[0058] alkyl which has 4 to 20 carbon atoms, is interrupted by one ormore oxygen atoms and is unsubstituted or substituted by hydroxyl oralkoxy having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, alkenyl having 3 to 6 carbon atoms,glycidyl, cyclohexyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by hydroxyl,alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and/or —OCOY₁₁, phenylalkyl which has 1to 5 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety and is unsubstituted orsubstituted by hydroxyl, chlorine and/or methyl, —COY₁₂ or —SO₂Y₁₃, or,

[0059] if u is 2,

[0060] Y₂ is alkylene having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, alkenylene having 4to 12 carbon atoms, xylylene, alkylene which has 3 to 20 carbon atoms,is interrupted by one or more —O— atoms and/or is substituted byhydroxyl, —CH₂CH(OH)CH₂—O—Y₁₅—OCH₂CH(OH)CH₂, —CO—Y₁₆—CO—,—CO—NH—Y₁₇—NH—CO— or —(CH₂)_(m)—CO₂—Y₁₈—OCO—(CH₂)_(m), in which

[0061] m is 1, 2 or 3,

[0062] Y₈ is alkyl having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, alkenyl having 3 to 18carbon atoms, alkyl which has 3 to 20 carbon atoms, is interrupted byone or more oxygen or sulfur atoms or —NT₆— and/or is substituted byhydroxyl, alkyl which has 1 to 4 carbon atoms and is substituted by—P(O)(OY₁₄)₂, —NY₉Y₁₀ or —OCOY₁₁ and/or hydroxyl, alkenyl having 3 to 18carbon atoms, glycidyl, or phenylalkyl having 1 to 5 carbon atoms in thealkyl moiety,

[0063] Y₉ and Y₁₀ independently of one another are alkyl having 1 to 12carbon atoms, alkoxyalkyl having 3 to 12 carbon atoms, dialkylaminoalkylhaving 4 to 16 carbon atoms or cyclohexyl having 5 to 12 carbon atoms,or Y₉ and Y₁₀ together are alkylene, oxaalkylene or azaalkylene havingin each case 3 to 9 carbon atoms,

[0064] Y₁₁ is alkyl having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, alkenyl having 2 to 18carbon atoms or phenyl,

[0065] Y₁₂ is alkyl having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, alkenyl having 2 to 18carbon atoms, phenyl, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, phenoxy,alkylamino having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or phenylamino,

[0066] Y₁₃ is alkyl having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, phenyl or alkylphenylhaving 1 to 8 carbon atoms in the alkyl radical,

[0067] Y₁₄ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or phenyl,

[0068] Y₁₅ is alkylene having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, phenylene or a group-phenylene-M-phenylene-in which M is —O—, —S—, —SO₂—, —CH₂— or—C(CH₃)₂—,

[0069] Y₁₆ is alkylene, oxaalkylene or thiaalkylene having in each case2 to 10 carbon atoms, phenylene or alkenylene having 2 to 6 carbonatoms,

[0070] Y₁₇ is alkylene having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, phenylene oralkylphenylene having 1 to 11 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety, and

[0071] Y₁₈ is alkylene having 2 to 10 carbon atoms or alkylene which has4 to 20 carbon atoms and is interrupted once or several times by oxygen;

[0072] in the compounds of the formula (IV) x is an integer from 1 to 3and the substituents L independently of one another are hydrogen, alkyl,alkoxy or alkylthio having in each case 1 to 22 carbon atoms, phenoxy orphenylthio.

[0073] C₁-C₁₈alkyl may be linear or branched. Examples of alkyl havingup to 18 carbon atoms are methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl,sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, 2-ethylbutyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl,1-methylpentyl, 1,3-dimethylbutyl, n-hexyl, 1-methylhexyl, n-heptyl,isoheptyl, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl, 1-methylheptyl, 3-methylheptyl,n-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, 1,1,3-trimethyl-hexyl, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylpentyl,nonyl, decyl, undecyl, 1-methylundecyl, dodecyl,1,1,3,3,5,5-hexamethylhexyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl,hexadecyl, heptadecyl and octadecyl.

[0074] In the compounds of the formula (IIa) R₁ can be hydrogen or alkylhaving 1 to 24 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl,hexyl, octyl, nonyl, dodecyl, tetradecyl, hexadecyl, octadecyl,nonadecyl and eicosyl and also corresponding branched isomers.Furthermore, in addition to phenylalkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms inthe alkyl moiety, for example benzyl, R₁ can also be cycloalkyl having 5to 8 carbon atoms, for example cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cyclooctyl,or a radical of the formula

[0075] in which R₄ and R₅ independently of one another are alkyl havingin each case 1 to 5 carbon atoms, in particular methyl, or R₄, togetherwith the C_(n)H_(2n+1−m) radical, forms a cycloalkyl radical having 5 to12 carbon atoms, for example cyclohexyl, cyclooctyl and cyclodecyl. M isa radical of the formula —COOR₆ in which R₆ is not only hydrogen butalso alkyl having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or alkoxyalkyl having 1 to 20carbon atoms in each of the alkyl and alkoxy moieties. Suitable alkylradicals R₆ are those enumerated for R₁. Examples of suitablealkoxyalkyl groups are —C₂H₄OC₂H₅, —C₂H₄OC₈H₁₇ and —C₄H₈OC₄H₉. Asphenylalkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R₆ is, for example, benzyl,cumyl, α-methylbenzyl or phenylbutyl.

[0076] In addition to hydrogen and halogen, for example chlorine andbromine, R₂ can also be alkyl having 1 to 18 carbon atoms. Examples ofsuch alkyl radicals are indicated in the definitions of R₁. R₂ can alsobe phenylalkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety, forexample benzyl, a-methylbenzyl and cumyl.

[0077] Halogen as a substituent means in all cases fluorine, chlorine,bromine or iodine, preferably chlorine or bromine and more preferablychlorine.

[0078] At least one of the radicals R₁ and R₂ must be other thanhydrogen.

[0079] In addition to hydrogen or chlorine, R₃ is also alkyl or alkoxyhaving in each case 1 to 4 carbon atoms, for example methyl, butyl,methoxy and ethoxy, and also —COOR₆.

[0080] In the compounds of the formula (IIb) T is hydrogen or alkylhaving 1 to 6 carbon atoms, such as methyl and butyl, T₁ is not onlyhydrogen or chlorine, but also alkyl or alkoxy having in each case 1 to4 carbon atoms, for example methyl, methoxy and butoxy, and, if n is 1,T₂ is chlorine or a radical of the formula —OT₃ or —NT₄T₅. T₃ is herehydrogen or alkyl having 1 to 18 carbon atoms (cf. the definition ofR₁). These alkyl radicals can be substituted by 1 to 3 hydroxyl groupsor by a radical —OCOT₆. Furthermore, T₃ can be alkyl having 3 to 18carbon atoms (cf. the definition of R₁) which is interrupted once orseveral times by —O— or —NT₆— and is unsubstituted or substituted byhydroxyl or —OCOT₆. Examples of T₃ as cycloalkyl are cyclopentyl,cyclohexyl or cyclooctyl. T₃ can also be alkenyl having 2 to 18 carbonatoms. Suitable alkenyl radicals are derived from the alkyl radicalsenumerated in the definitions of R₁. These alkenyl radicals can besubstituted by hydroxyl. Examples of T₃ as phenylalkyl are benzyl,phenylethyl, cumyl, α-methylbenzyl or benzyl. T₃ can also be a radicalof the formula —CH₂CH(OH)—T₇ or

[0081] Like T₃, T₄ and T₅ can, independently of one another, be not onlyhydrogen but also alkyl having 1 to 18 carbon atoms or alkyl which has 3to 18 carbon atoms and is interrupted once or several times by —O— or—NT₆—. T₄ and T₅ can also be cycloalkyl having 5 to 12 carbon atoms, forexample cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cyclooctyl. Examples of T₄ and T₅ asalkenyl groups can be found in the illustrations of T₃. Examples of T₄and T₅ as phenylalkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety arebenzyl or phenylbutyl. Finally, these substituents can also behydroxyalkyl having 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

[0082] If n is 2, T₂ is a divalent radical of the formula

[0083] or —O—T₉—O—.

[0084] In addition to hydrogen, T₆ (see above also) is alkyl,cycloalkyl, alkenyl, aryl or phenylalkyl; examples of such radicals havealready been given above.

[0085] In addition to hydrogen and the phenylalkyl radicals andlong-chain alkyl radicals mentioned above, T₇ can be phenyl orhydroxyphenyl and also —CH₂OT₈ in which T₈ can be one of the alkyl,alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or phenylalkyl radicals enumerated.

[0086] The divalent radical T₉ can be alkylene having 2 to 8 carbonatoms, and such radicals can also be branched. This also applies to thealkenylene and alkynylene radicals T₉. As well as cyclohexylene, T₉ canalso be a radical of the formula

—CH₂CH(OH)CH₂OT₁₁OCH₂CH(OH)CH₂— or —CH₂—C(CH₂OH)₂—CH₂—.

[0087] T₁₀ is a divalent radical and, in addition to cyclohexylene, isalso alkylene which has 2 to 20 carbon atoms and which can beinterrupted once or several times by —O—. Suitable alkylene radicals arederived from the alkyl radicals mentioned in the definitions of R₁.

[0088] T₁₁ is also an alkylene radical. It contains 2 to 8 carbon atomsor, if it is interrupted once or several times by —O—, 4 to 10 carbonatoms. T₁₁ is also 1,3-cyclohexylene, 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,3-phenyleneor 1,4-phenylene.

[0089] Together with the two nitrogen atoms, T₆ and T₁₀ can also be apiperazine ring.

[0090] Examples of alkyl, alkoxy, phenylalkyl, alkylene, alkenylene,alkoxyalkyl and cycloalkyl radicals and also alkylthio, oxaalkylene orazoalkylene radicals in the compounds of the formulae (I), (IIa), (IIb),(IIc), (III) and IV) can be deduced from the above statements.

[0091] Within the benzotriazole UV-absorbers those according to formulaIIa are in general preferred.

[0092] The UV absorbers of the formulae (I), (IIa), (IIb), (IIc), (III)and (IV) are known per se and are described, together with theirpreparation in, for example, WO 96/28431, EP-A-323 408, EP-A-57 160,U.S. Pat. No. 5,736,597 (EP-A-434 608), U.S. Pat. No. 4,619,956, DE-A 3135 810 and GB-A 1 336 391. Preferred meanings of substituents andindividual compounds can be deduced from the documents mentioned.

[0093] In another embodiment the UV-absorbers of the class ofhydroxyphenyl triazines are of formula (IIIa)

[0094] in which n is 1 or 2;

[0095] R₃₀₁, R′₃₀₁, R₃₀₂ and R′₃₀₂, independently of one another, are H,OH, C₁-C₁₂alkyl; C₂-C₆alkenyl; C₁-C₁₂alkoxy; C₂-C₁₈alkenoxy; halogen;trifluoromethyl; C₇-C₁₁phenylalkyl; phenyl; phenyl which is substitutedby C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₁-C₁₈alkoxy or halogen; phenoxy; or phenoxy which issubstituted by C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₁-C₁₈alkoxy or halogen;

[0096] R₃₀₃ and R₃₀₄, independently of one another, are H, C₁-C₁₂alkyl;OR′₃₀₇; C₂-C₆alkenyl; C₂-C₁₈alkenoxy; halogen; trifluoromethyl;C₇-C₁₁phenylalkyl; phenyl; phenyl which is substituted by C₁-C₁₈alkyl,C₁-C₁₈alkoxy or halogen; phenoxy; or phenoxy which is substituted byC₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₁-C₁₈alkoxy or halogen;

[0097] R₃₀₆ is hydrogen, C₁-C₂₄alkyl, C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl orC₇-C₁₅phenylalkyl;

[0098] R₃₀₇, in the case where n=1, and R′₃₀₇, independently of oneanother, are hydrogen or C₁-C₁₈alkyl; or are C₁-C₁₂alkyl which issubstituted by OH, C₁-C₁₈alkoxy, allyloxy, halogen, —COOH, —COOR₃₀₈,—CONH₂, —CONHR₃₀₉, —CON(R₃₀₉)(R₃₁₀), —NH₂, —NHR₃₀₉, —N(R₃₀₉) (R₃₁₀),—NHCOR₃₁₁, —CN, —OCOR₃₁₁, phenoxy and/or phenoxy which is substituted byC₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₁-C₁₈alkoxy or halogen; or R₃₀₇ is C₃-C₅₀alkyl which isinterrupted by —O— and may be substituted by OH; or R₇ is C₃-C₆alkenyl;glycidyl; C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl which is substituted by OH, C₁-C₄alkyl or—OCOR₃₁₁; C₇-C₁₁phenylalkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by OH,Cl or CH₃; —CO—R₃₁₂ or —SO₂—R₃₁₃;

[0099] R₃₀₇, in the case where n=2, is C₂-C₁₆alkylene, C₄-C₁₂alkenylene,xylylene, C₃-C₂₀alkylene which is interrupted by O and/or substituted byOH, or is a group of the formula—CH₂CH(OH)CH₂O—R₃₂₀—OCH₂CH(OH)CH₂—,—CO—R₃₂₁—CO—, —CO—NH—R₃₂₂—NH—CO— or —(CH₂)_(m)—COO—R₃₂₃—OOC—(CH₂)_(m)—,in which m is a number in the range from 1 to 3, or is

[0100] R₃₀₈ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl; C₂-C₁₈alkenyl; hydroxyethyl; C₃-C₅₀alkylwhich is interrupted by O, NH, NR₃₀₉ or S and/or is substituted by OH;C₁-C₄alkyl which is substituted by —P(O)(OR₃₁₄)₂, —N(R₃₀₉)(R₃₁₀) or—OCOR₃₁₁ and/or OH; glycidyl; C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl; phenyl;C₇-C₁₄alkylphenyl or C₇-C₁₁phenylalkyl;

[0101] R₃₀₉ and R₃₁₀, independently of one another, are C₁-C₁₂alkyl;C₃-C₁₂alkoxyalkyl; C₄-C₁₆dialkylaminoalkyl or C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl, or R₃₀₉and R₃₁₀ together are C₃-C₉alkylene or -oxaalkylene or -azaalkylene;

[0102] R₃₁₁ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl; C₂-C₁₈alkenyl or phenyl; C₂-C₁₂hydroxyalkyl;cyclohexyl; or is C₃-C₅₀alkyl which is interrupted by —O— and may besubstituted by OH;

[0103] R₃₁₂ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl; C₂-C₁₈alkenyl; phenyl; C₁-C₁₈alkoxy;C₃-C₁₈alkenyloxy; C₃-C₅₀alkoxy which is interrupted by O, NH, NR₃₀₉ or Sand/or substituted by OH; cyclohexyloxy; C₇-C₁₄alkylphenoxy;C₇-C₁₁phenylalkoxy; phenoxy; C₁-C₁₂alkylamino; phenylamino; tolylaminoor naphthylamino;

[0104] R₃₁₃ is C₁-C₁₂alkyl; phenyl; naphthyl or C₇-C₁₄alkylphenyl;

[0105] R₃₁₄ is C₁-C₁₂alkyl, methylphenyl or phenyl;

[0106] R₃₂₀ is C₂-C₁₀alkylene; C₄-C₅₀alkylene which is interrupted by O,phenylene or a -phenylene-X-phenylene-group, in which X is —O—, —S—,—SO₂—, —CH₂— or —C(CH₃)₂—;

[0107] R₃₂₁ is C₂-C₁₀alkylene, C₂-C₁₀oxaalkylene, C₂-C₁₀thiaalkylene,C₆-C₁₂arylene or C₂-C₆alkenylene;

[0108] R₃₂₂ is C₂-C₁₀alkylene, phenylene, tolylene, diphenylenemethaneor

[0109]  group; and

[0110] R₃₂₃ is C₂-C₁₀alkylene or C₄-C₂₀alkylene which is interrupted byO.

[0111] Halogen is in all cases fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine.

[0112] Examples of alkyl are methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl,sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, 2-ethylbutyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl,1-methylpentyl, 1,3-dimethylbutyl, n-hexyl, 1-methylhexyl, n-heptyl,isoheptyl, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl, 1-methylheptyl, 3-methylheptyl,n-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, 1,1,3-trimethylhexyl, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylpentyl,nonyl, decyl, undecyl, 1-methylundecyl, dodecyl.

[0113] Examples of alkoxy having up to 12 carbon atoms are methoxy,ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, isobutoxy, pentoxy, isopentoxy,hexoxy, heptoxy, octoxy, decyloxy, dodecyloxy.

[0114] Examples of alkenoxy are propenyloxy, butenyloxy, pentenyloxy andhexenyloxy.

[0115] Examples of C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl are cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl,cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl and cyclododecyl. C₅-C₈Cycloalkyl, especiallycyclohexyl, is preferred.

[0116] C₁-C₄Alkyl-substituted C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl is for examplemethylcyclohexyl or dimethylcyclohexyl.

[0117] OH— and/or C₁-C₁₀alkyl-substituted phenyl is for examplemethylphenyl, dimethylphenyl, trimethylphenyl, tert-butylphenyl or3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl.

[0118] Alkoxy-substituted phenyl is for example methoxyphenyldimethoxyphenyl or trimethoxyphenyl.

[0119] Examples of C₇-C₉phenylalkyl are benzyl and phenylethyl.

[0120] C₇-C₉Phenylalkyl which is substituted on the phenyl radical by—OH and/or by alkyl having up to 10 carbon atoms is for examplemethylbenzyl, dimethylbenzyl, trimethylbenzyl, tert-butylbenzyl or3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl.

[0121] Examples of alkenyl are allyl, 2-methallyl, butenyl, pentenyl andhexenyl. Allyl is preferred. The carbon atom in position 1 is preferablysaturated.

[0122] Examples of alkylene are methylene, ethylene, propylene,trimethylene, tetramethylene, pentamethylene, 2,2-dimethyltrimethylene,hexamethylene, trimethylhexamethylene, octamethylene and decamethylene.

[0123] Examples of alkenylene are butenylene, pentenylene andhexenylene.

[0124] C₆-C₁₂ arylene is preferably phenylene.

[0125] Alkyl interrupted by O is for example —CH₂—CH₂—O—CH₂—CH₃,—CH₂—CH₂—O—CH₃— or —CH₂—CH₂—O—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—O—CH₂—CH₃—. It is preferablyderived from polyethlene glycol. A general description is—((CH₂)_(a)—O)_(b)—H/CH₃, wherein a is a number from 1 to 6 and b is anumber from 2 to 10.

[0126] C₂-C₁₀ oxaalkylene and C₂-C₁₀thiaalkylene can be deduced from theabove mentioned alkylene groups by substituting one or more carbon atomsby an oxygen atom or a sulphur atom.

[0127] Specific examples of 2-hydroxybenzophenones are for example the4-hydroxy, 4-methoxy, 4-octyloxy, 4-decyloxy, 4-dodecyloxy, 4-benzyloxy,4,2′,4′-trihydroxy and 2′-hydroxy-4,4′-dimethoxy derivatives.

[0128] Specific examples of 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazoles are forexample 2-(2′-hydroxy-5′-methylphenyl)-benzotriazole,2-(3′,5′-di-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole,2-(5′-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole,2-(2′-hydroxy-5′-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl)benzotriazole,2-(3′,5′-di-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxyphenyl)-5-chloro-benzotriazole,2-(3′-tert-butyl-2-hydroxy-5′-methylphenyl)-5-chloro-benzotriazole,2-(3′-sec-butyl-5′-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole,2-(2′-hydroxy-4′-octyloxyphenyl)benzotriazole,2-(3′,5′-di-tert-amyl-2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole,2-(3′,5′-bis-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole,2-(3′-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxy-5′-(2-octyloxycarbonylethyl)phenyl)-5-chloro-benzotriazole,2-(3′-tert-butyl-5′-[2-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-carbonylethyl]-2′-hydroxyphenyl)-5-chloro-benzotriazole,2-(3′-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxy-5′-(2-methoxycarbonylethyl)phenyl)-5-chloro-benzotriazole,2-(3′-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxy-5′-(2-methoxycarbonylethyl)phenyl)benzotriazole,2-(3′-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxy-5′-(2-octyloxycarbonylethyl)phenyl)benzotriazole,2-(3′-tert-butyl-5′-[2-(2-ethylhexyloxy)carbonylethyl]-2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole,2-(3′-dodecyl-2′-hydroxy-5′-methylphenyl)benzotriazole,2-(3′-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxy-5′-(2-isooctyloxycarbonylethyl)phenylbenzotriazole,2,2′-methylene-bis[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-6-benzotriazole-2-ylphenol];the transesterification product of2-[3′-tert-butyl-5′-(2-methoxycarbonylethyl)-2′-hydroxyphenyl]-2H-benzotriazolewith polyethylene glycol 300; [R—CH₂CH₂—COO—CH₂CH₂₂ whereR=3′-tert-butyl-4′-hydroxy-5′-2H-benzotriazol-2-ylphenyl,2-[2′-hydroxy-3′-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-5′-(1,1,3,3-tetra-methylbutyl)-phenyl]benzotriazole;2-[2′-hydroxy-3′-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-5′-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-phenyl]benzotriazole.

[0129] Specific examples of 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazines are forexample 2,4,6-tris(2-hydroxy-4-octyloxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine,2-(2-hydroxy-4-octyloxyphenyl)-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine,2-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine,2,4-bis(2-hydroxy-4-propyloxyphenyl)-6-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine,2-(2-hydroxy-4-octyloxyphenyl)-4,6-bis(4-methylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine,2-(2-hydroxy-4-dodecyloxyphenyl)-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine,2-(2-hydroxy-4-tridecyloxyphenyl)-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine,2-[2-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxy-3-butyloxy-propoxy)phenyl]-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethyl)-1,3,5-triazine,2-[2-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxy-3-octyloxy-propyloxy)phenyl]-4,6bis(2,4-dimethyl)-1,3,5-triazine,2-[4-(dodecyloxy/tridecyloxy-2-hydroxypropoxy)-2-hydroxyphenyl]-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine,2-[2-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxy-3-dodecyloxy-propoxy)phenyl]-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine,2-(2-hydroxy-4-hexyloxy)phenyl-4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazine,2-(2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazine,2,4,6-tris[2-hydroxy-4-(3-butoxy-2-hydroxy-propoxy)phenyl]-1,3,5-triazine,2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-triazine,2-{2-hydroxy-4-[3-(2-ethylhexyl-1-oxy)-2-hydroxy-propyloxy]phenyl}-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazineand2-(2-hydroxy-4-(2-ethyl-hexyl)oxy)phenyl-4,6-di(4-phenyl)phenyl-1,3,5-triazine.

[0130] For instance the hydroxyphenyl-triazine UV-absorbers are offormulae:

[0131] The hydroxyphenyl triazine UV-absorbers are known and partiallyitems of commerce. They can be prepared according to the abovedocuments.

[0132] Yet in another embodiment of the invention oligomeric orpolymeric hydroxyphenyl triazines may be used, in particular those offormula (IIIc)

—[A—L—D—L]_(x)—  (IIIc)

[0133] in which

[0134] x is a number from 1 to 50;

[0135] A is a group of the formula (IIIb)

[0136]  or has one of the meanings given for D, wherein formula (IIIc)contains at least one A conforming to formula (IIIb);

[0137] D is a divalent residue containing 2 to 60 carbon atomscomprising an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon, or saidaliphatic residue substituted by OH or interrupted by O or bothsubstituted by OH and interrupted by O; and in case that D bonds to thecarbon atom of L, D also comprises methylene or a direct bond;

[0138] L stands for an ester linkage group;

[0139] the R₄₀₁ are independently of each other H, OR₄₀₇ or OH, with theproviso that at least one of R₄₀₁ or R₄₁₃ is OH;

[0140] the R₄₀₇ are independently of each other hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂alkyl ora radical of formula (III)

[0141]  wherein in formula (I) at least one of the R₄₀₇ is a radical offormula (III);

[0142] R₄₀₈ is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₈alkyl; C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl; C₂-C₁₈alkenyl;phenyl; C₇-C₁₁phenyalkyl; C₇-C₁₁alkylphenyl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl substituted byphenyl, OH, halogen; C₁-C₁₈alkoxy, C₅-C₁₂cycloalkoxy, C₃-C₁₈alkenyloxyor COOH;

[0143] Y is —CO— or C₁-C₁₂alkylene;

[0144] R₄₀₉, if Y is —CO—, is C₂₀-C₆₀ alkyl, C₂₀-C₆₀alkyl substituted byOH and/or interrupted by O, or is C₂₀-C₆₀alkenyl, or is a group offormula (IV)

[0145]  wherein m is a number from 1 to 20;

[0146] R₄₀₉, if Y is alkylene, is C₂₀-C₆₀alkanoyl;

[0147] R₄₀₂, R₄₀₃, R₄₀₄, R₄₀₅ and R₄₀₆ are independently of each otherhydrogen, C₁-C₃₈alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by hydroxyor C₁-C₈alkoxy; or

[0148] C₁-C₃₈alkyl which is interrupted by an oxygen atom or aN(C₁-C₁₈)alkyl group;

[0149] phenyl or C₇-C₁₂phenylalkyl which are unsubstituted orsubstituted by hydroxy or C₁-C₈alkyl;

[0150] R₄₁₀ is hydrogen, C₁-C₄alkyl, Cl, phenyl or a group —OR₄₀₇;

[0151] R₄₁₁ is hydrogen or methyl;

[0152] R₄₁₃ is hydrogen, methyl, OH or OR₇;

[0153] R₄₁₄ and R₄₁₅ are independently hydrogen, C₁-C₈alkyl, Cl or agroup OR₄₀₇;

[0154] R₄₁₆ is is hydrogen, C₁-C₈alkyl, Cl or phenyl;

[0155] R₄₁₈ is hydrogen or C₁-C₈alkyl.

[0156] Specific compounds are for example:

[0157] with monomer ratio n:m:z=0.5:1:0.5 and

[0158] The hydroxyphenyl triazine UV-absorbers are known and can beprepared according to WO 03/004557. Further oligomeric or polymericUV-absorbers are for example disclosed in WO 01/62821.

[0159] Specific examples for oxamides are for example4,4′-dioctyloxyoxanilide, 2,2′-diethoxyoxanilide,2,2′-dioctyloxy-5,5′-di-tert-butoxanilide,2,2′-didodecyloxy-5,5′-di-tert-butoxanilide, 2-ethoxy-2′-ethyloxanilide,N,N′-bis(3-dimethylaminopropyl)oxamide,2-ethoxy-5-tert-butyl-2′-ethoxanilide and its mixture with2-ethoxy-2′-ethyl-5,4′-di-tert-butoxanilide, mixtures of o- andp-methoxy-disubstituted oxanilides and mixtures of o- andp-ethoxy-disubstituted oxanilides.

[0160] The above mentioned UV-absorbers are largely items of commerceand for example known as Tinuvin® 326, 327, 328, 350, 360 or Chimassorb®81 from Ciba Specialty Chemicals or Cyasorb® 1164 from Cytech Inc.

[0161] In many cases it may be of advantage to use a combination ofUV-absorbers from different classes, such as for example a benzophenoneUV-absorber with a benzotriazole UV-absorber or a hydroxyphenyltriazineUV-absorber with a benzotriazole UV-absorber. If such a combination isused, the weight ratio between both UV-absorbers is for example from 1:5to 5:1, for instanc from 1:3 to 3:1, particularly 1:1.5 to 1.5:1.

[0162] The total amount of UV-absorber is for example from 0.005 to 5%,preferably from 0.1 to 2% and particularly from 0.2 to 1.5% based on theweight of the polymer.

[0163] For instance the weight ratio of the condensation product,component b) to the UV-absorber, component c1) is from 10:1 to 1:10, forexample from 5:1 to 1:5 and in particular from 3:1 to 1:3.

[0164] The sterically hindered amine contains at least one radical ofthe formula

[0165] in which R is hydrogen or methyl.

[0166] The sterically hindered amine light stabilizer useful in theinstant invention is preferably a compound of formulae (A-1) to (A-10)or of formulae (B-1) to (B-10);

[0167] (α-1) a compound of the formula (A-1)

[0168] in which

[0169] E₁ is hydrogen, C₁-C₈alkyl, O, —OH, —CH₂CN, C₁-C₁₈alkoxy,C₅-C₁₂cycloalkoxy, C₃-C₆alkenyl, C₇-C₉phenylalkyl unsubstituted orsubstituted on the phenyl by 1, 2 or 3 C₁-C₄alkyl; or C₁-C₈acyl,

[0170] m₁ is 1, 2 or 4,

[0171] if m₁ is 1, E₂ is C₁-C₂₅alkyl,

[0172] if m₁ is 2, E₂ is C₁-C₁₄alkylene or a group of the formula (a-I)

[0173]  wherein E₃ is C₁-C₁₀alkyl or C₂-C₁₀alkenyl, E₄ isC₁-C₁₀alkylene, and

[0174] E₅ and E₆ independently of one another are C₁-C₄alkyl, cyclohexylor methylcyclohexyl, and

[0175] if m₁ is 4, E₂ is C₄-C₁₀alkanetetrayl;

[0176] (α-2) a compound of the formula (A-2)

[0177]  in which

[0178] two of the radicals E₇ are —COO—(C₁-C₂₀alkyl), and

[0179] two of the radicals E₇ are a group of the formula (a-II)

[0180]  with E₈ having one of the meanings of E₁;

[0181] (α-3) a compound of the formula (A-3)

[0182]  in which

[0183] E₉ and E₁₀ together form C₂-C₁₄alkylene,

[0184] E₁₁ is hydrogen or a group —Z₁—COO—Z₂,

[0185] Z₁ is C₂-C₁₄alkylene, and

[0186] Z₂ is C₁-C₂₄alkyl, and

[0187] E₁₂ has one of the meanings of E₁;

[0188] (α-4) a compound of the formula (A-4)

[0189]  wherein

[0190] the radicals E₁₃ independently of one another have one of themeanings of E₁,

[0191] the radicals E₁₄ independently of one another are hydrogen orC₁-C₁₂alkyl, and

[0192] E₁₅ is C₁-C₁₀alkylene or C₃-C₁₀alkylidene;

[0193] (α-5) a compound of the formula (A-5)

[0194]  wherein

[0195] the radicals E₁₆ independently of one another have one of themeanings of E₁;

[0196] (α-6) a compound of the formula (A-6)

[0197]  in which

[0198] E₁₇ is C₁-C₂₄alkyl, and

[0199] E₁₈ has one of the meanings of E₁;

[0200] (α-7) a compound of the formula (A-7)

[0201]  in which

[0202] E₁₉, E₂₀ and E₂₁ independently of one another are a group of theformula (a-III)

[0203]  wherein E₂₂ has one of the meanings of E₁;

[0204] (α-8) a compound of the formula (A-8)

[0205]  wherein

[0206] the radicals E₂₃ independently of one another have one of themeanings of E₁,

[0207] and E₂₄ is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂alkyl or C₁-C₁₂alkoxy;

[0208] (α-9) a compound of the formula (A-9)

[0209]  wherein

[0210] m₂ is 1, 2 or 3,

[0211] E₂₅ has one of the meanings of E₁, and

[0212] when m₂ is 1, E₂₆ is a group

[0213] when m₂ is 2, E₂₆ is C₂-C₂₂alkylene, and,

[0214] when m₂ is 3, E₂₆ is a group of the formula (a-IV)

[0215]  wherein the radicals E₂₇ independently of one another areC₂-C₁₂alkylene, and

[0216] the radicals E28 independently of one another are C₁-C₁₂alkyl orC₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl;

[0217] (α-10) a compound of the formula (A-10)

[0218]  wherein

[0219] the radicals E₂₉ independently of one another have one of themeanings of E₁, and

[0220] E₃₀ is C₂-C₂₂alkylene, C₅-C₇cycloalkylene,C₁-C₄alkylenedi(C₅-C₇cycloalkylene), phenylene orphenylenedi(C₁-C₄alkylene);

[0221] (β-1) a compound of the formula (B-1)

[0222]  in which

[0223] R₂₀₁, R₂₀₃, R₂₀₄ and R₂₀₅ independently of one another arehydrogen, C₁-C₁₂alkyl, C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkyl-substitutedC₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl, phenyl, phenyl which is substituted by —OH and/orC₁-C₁₀alkyl; C₇-C₉phenylalkyl, C₇-C₉phenylalkyl which is substituted onthe phenyl radical by —OH and/or C₁-C₁₀alkyl; or a group of the formula(b-I)

[0224]  R₂₀₂ is C₂-C₁₈alkylene, C₅-C₇cycloalkylene orC₁-C₄alkylenedi(B₅-C₇cycloalkylene), or

[0225] the radicals R₂₀₁, R₂₀₂ and R₂₀₃, together with the nitrogenatoms to which they are bonded, perform a 5- to 10-membered heterocyclicring, or

[0226] R₂₀₄ and R₂₀₅, together with the nitrogen atom to which they arebonded, form a 5- to 10-membered heterocyclic ring,

[0227] R₂₀₆ is hydrogen, C₁-C₈alkyl, O, —OH, —CH₂CN, C₁-C₁₈alkoxy,C₅-C₁₂cycloalkoxy, C₃-C₆alkenyl, C₇-C₉phenylalkyl unsubstituted orsubstituted on the phenyl by 1, 2 or 3 C₁-C₄alkyl; or C₁-C₈acyl, and

[0228] b₁ is a number from 2 to 50,

[0229] with the proviso that at least one of the radicals R₂₀₁, R₂₀₃,R₂₀₄ and R₂₀₅ is a group of the formula (b-I);

[0230] (β-2) a compound of the formula (B-2)

[0231]  wherein

[0232] R₂₀₇ and R₂₁₁ independently of one another are hydrogen orC₁-C₁₂alkyl,

[0233] R₂₀₈, R₂₀₉ and R₂₁₀ independently of one another areC₂-C₁₀alkylene, and

[0234] X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, X₅, X₆, X₇ and X₈ independently of one anotherare a group of the formula (b-II),

[0235]  in which R₂₁₂ is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂alkyl, C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl,C₁-C₄alkyl-substituted C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl, phenyl, —OH— and/orC₁-C₁₀alkyl-substituted phenyl, C₇-C₉phenylalkyl,

[0236] C₇-C₉phenylalkyl which is substituted on the phenyl radical by—OH and/or C₁-C₁₀alkyl; or a group of the formula (b-I) as definedabove, and

[0237] R₂₁₃ has one of the meanings of R₂₀₆;

[0238] (β-3) a compound of the formula (B-3)

[0239]  in which

[0240] R₂₁₄ is C₁-C₁₀alkyl, C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl, C₁-C₄alkyl-substitutedC₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl, phenyl or C₁-C₁₀alkyl-substituted phenyl,

[0241] R₂₁₅ is C₃-C₁₀alkylene,

[0242] R₂₁₆ has one of the meanings of R₂₀₆, and

[0243] b₂ is a number from 2 to 50;

[0244] (β-4) a compound of the formula (B-4)

[0245]  in which

[0246] R₂₁₇ and R₂₂₁ independently of one another are a direct bond or a—N(X₉)—CO—X₁₀—CO—N(X₁₁)— group, where X₉ and X₁₁ independently of oneanother are hydrogen, C₁-C₈alkyl, C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl, phenyl,C₇-C₉phenylalkyl or a group of the formula (b-I),

[0247] X₁₀ is a direct bond or C₁-C₄alkylene,

[0248] R₂₁₈ has one of the meanings of R₂₀₆,

[0249] R₂₁₉, R₂₂₀, R₂₂₃ and R₂₂₄ independently of one another arehydrogen, C₁-C₃₀alkyl, C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl or phenyl,

[0250] R₂₂₂ is hydrogen, C₁-C₃₀alkyl, C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl, phenyl,C₇-C₉phenylalkyl or a group of the formula (b-I), and

[0251] b₃ is a number from 1 to 50;

[0252] (β-5) a compound of the formula (B-5)

[0253]  in which

[0254] R₂₂₅, R₂₂₆, R₂₂₇, R₂₂₈ and R₂₂₉ independently of one another area direct bond or C₁-C₁₀alkylene,

[0255] R₂₃₀ has one of the meanings of R₂₀₆, and

[0256] b₄ is a number from 1 to 50;

[0257] (β-6) a product (B-6) obtainable by reacting a product, obtainedby reaction of a polyamine of the formula (B-6-1) with cyanuricchloride, with a compound of the formula (B-6-2)

H₂N—(CH₂)_(b′) ₅ —NH—(CH₂)_(b″) ₅ —NH—(CH₂)_(b′″) ₅ —NH₂  (B-6-1)

[0258]

[0259]  in which

[0260] b′₅, b″₅ and b′″₅ independently of one another are a number from2 to 12,

[0261] R₂₃₁ is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂alkyl, C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl, phenyl orC₇-C₉phenylalkyl, and

[0262] R₂₃₂ has one of the meanings of R₂₀₆;

[0263] (β-7) a compound of the formula (B-7)

[0264]  wherein A₁ is hydrogen or C₁-C₄alkyl,

[0265] A₂ is a direct bond or C₁-C₁₀alkylene, and

[0266] n₁ is a number from 2 to 50;

[0267] (β-8) at least one compound of the formulae (B-8-a) and (B-8-b)

[0268]  wherein n₂ and n₂* are a number from 2 to 50;

[0269] (β-9) a compound of the formula (B-9)

[0270]  wherein A₃ and A₄ independently of one another are hydrogen orC₁-C₈alkyl, or A₃ and A₄ together form a C₂-C₁₄alkylene group, and

[0271] the variables n₃ independently of one another are a number from 1to 50; and

[0272] (β-10) a compound of the formula (B-10)

[0273]  wherein n₄ is a number from 2 to 50,

[0274] A₅ is hydrogen or C₁-C₄alkyl,

[0275] the radicals A₆ and A₇ independently of one another areC₁-C₄alkyl or a group of the formula (b-I), with the proviso that atleast 50% of the radicals A₇ are a group of the formula (b-I).

[0276] Examples of alkyl having up to 30 carbon atoms are methyl, ethyl,propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl,2-ethylbutyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, 1-methylpentyl, 1,3-dimethylbutyl,n-hexyl, 1-methylhexyl, n-heptyl, isoheptyl, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl,1-methylheptyl, 3-methylheptyl, n-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl,1,1,3-trimethylhexyl, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylpentyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl,1-methylundecyl, dodecyl, 1,1,3,3,5,5-hexamethylhexyl, tridecyl,tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, eicosyl,docosyl and triacontyl. One of the preferred definitions of E₁, E₈, E₁₂,E₁₃, E₁₆, E₁₈, E₂₂, E₂₃, E₂₅, E₂₉, R₂₀₆, R₂₁₃, R₂₁₆, R₂₁₈, R₂₃₀ and R₂₃₂is C₁-C₄alkyl, especially methyl. R₂₃₁ is preferably butyl.

[0277] Examples of alkoxy having up to 18 carbon atoms are methoxy,ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, isobutoxy, pentoxy, isopentoxy,hexoxy, heptoxy, octoxy, decyloxy, dodecyloxy, tetradecyloxy,hexadecyloxy and octadecyloxy. One of the preferred meanings of E₁ isoctoxy. E₂₄ is preferably C₁-C₄alkoxy and one of the preferred meaningsof R₂₀₆ is propoxy.

[0278] Examples of C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl are cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl,cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl and cyclododecyl. C₅-C₈Cycloalkyl, especiallycyclohexyl, is preferred.

[0279] C₁-C₄Alkyl-substituted C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl is for examplemethylcyclohexyl or dimethylcyclohexyl.

[0280] Examples of C₅-C₁₂cycioalkoxy are cyclopentoxy, cyclohexoxy,cycloheptoxy, cyclooctoxy, cyclodecyloxy and cyclododecyloxy.C₅-C₈Cycloalkoxy, in particular cyclopentoxy and cyclohexoxy, ispreferred.

[0281] —OH— and/or C₁-C₁₀alkyl-substituted phenyl is for examplemethylphenyl, dimethylphenyl, trimethylphenyl, tert-butylphenyl or3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl.

[0282] Examples of C₇-C₉phenylalkyl are benzyl and phenylethyl.

[0283] C₇-C₉Phenylalkyl which is substituted on the phenyl radical by—OH and/or by alkyl having up to 10 carbon atoms is for examplemethylbenzyl, dimethylbenzyl, trimethylbenzyl, tert-butylbenzyl or3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl.

[0284] Examples of alkenyl having up to 10 carbon atoms are allyl,2-methallyl, butenyl, pentenyl and hexenyl. Allyl is preferred. Thecarbon atom in position 1 is preferably saturated.

[0285] Examples of acyl containing not more than 8 carbon atoms areformyl, acetyl, propionyl, butyryl, pentanoyl, hexanoyl, heptanoyl,octanoyl, acryloyl, methacryloyl and benzoyl. C₁-C₈Alkanoyl,C₃-C₈alkenyl and benzoyl are preferred. Acetyl and acryloyl areespecially preferred.

[0286] Examples of alkylene having up to 22 carbon atoms are methylene,ethylene, propylene, trimethylene, tetramethylene, pentamethylene,2,2-dimethyltrimethylene, hexamethylene, trimethylhexamethylene,octamethylene and decamethylene.

[0287] An example of C₃-C₁₀alkylidene is the group

[0288] An example of C₄-C₁₀alkanetetrayl is 1,2,3,4-butanetetrayl.

[0289] An example of C₅-C₇cycloalkylene is cyclohexylene.

[0290] An example of C₁-C₄alkylenedi(C₅-C₇cycloalkylene) ismethylenedicyclohexylene.

[0291] An example of phenylenedi(C₁-C₄alkylene) ismethylene-phenylene-methylene or ethylene-phenylene-ethylene.

[0292] Where the radicals R₂₀₁, R₂₀₂ and R₂₀₃, together with thenitrogen atoms to which they are attached, form a 5- to 10-memberedheterocyclic ring, this ring is for example

[0293] A 6-membered heterocyclic ring is preferred.

[0294] Where the radicals R₂₀₄ and R₂₀₅, together with the nitrogen atomto which they are attached, form a 5- to 10-membered heterocyclic ring,this ring is for example 1-pyrrolidyl, piperidino, morpholino,1-piperazinyl, 4-methyl-1-piperazinyl, 1-hexahydroazepinyl,5,5,7-trimethyl-1-homopiperazinyl or4,5,5,7-tetramethyl-1-homopiperazinyl. Morpholino is particularlypreferred.

[0295] One of the preferred definitions of R₂₁₉ and R₂₂₃ is phenyl.

[0296] R₂₂₆ is preferably a direct bond.

[0297] n₁, n₂, n₂* and n₄ are preferably a number from 2 to 25, inparticular 2 to 20.

[0298] n₃ is preferably a number from 1 to 25, in particular 1 to 20.

[0299] b₁ and b₂ are preferably a number from 2 to 25, in particular 2to 20.

[0300] b₃ and b₄ are preferably a number from 1 to 25, in particluar 1to 20.

[0301] b′₅ and b′″₅ are preferably 3 and b″₅ is preferably 2.

[0302] The compounds described above are essentially known andcommercially available. All of them can be prepared by known processes.

[0303] The preparation of the compounds is disclosed, for example, inU.S. Pat. No. 5,679,733, U.S. Pat. No. 3,640,928, U.S. Pat. No.4,198,334, U.S. Pat. No. 5,204,473, U.S. Pat. No. 4,619,958, U.S. Pat.No. 4,110,306, U.S. Pat. No. 4,110,334, U.S. Pat. No. 4,689,416, U.S.Pat. No. 4,408,051, SU-A-768,175 (Derwent 88-138,751/20), U.S. Pat. No.5,049,604, U.S. Pat. No. 4,769,457, U.S. Pat. No. 4,356,307, U.S. Pat.No. 4,619,956, U.S. Pat. No. 5,182,390, GB-A-2,269,819, U.S. Pat. No.4,292,240, U.S. Pat. No. 5,026,849, U.S. Pat. No. 5,071,981, U.S. Pat.No. 4,547,538, U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,889, U.S. Pat. No. 4,086,204, U.S.Pat. No. 6,046,304, U.S. Pat. No. 4,331,586, U.S. Pat. No. 4,108,829,U.S. Pat. No. 5,051,458, WO-A-94/12,544 (Derwent 94-177,274/22),DD-A-262,439 (Derwent 89-122,983/17), U.S. Pat. No. 4,857,595, U.S. Pat.No. 4,529,760, U.S. Pat. No. 4,477,615, CAS 136,504-96-6, U.S. Pat. No.4,233,412, U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,534, WO-A-98/51,690 and EP-A-1,803.

[0304] The product (B-6) can be prepared analogously to known processes,for example by reacting a polyamine of formula (B-6-1) with cyanuricchloride in a molar ratio of from 1:2 to 1:4 in the presence ofanhydrous lithium carbonate, sodium carbonate or potassium carbonate inan organic solvent such as 1,2-dichloroethane, toluene, xylene, benzene,dioxane or tert-amyl alcohol at a temperature of from −20° C. to +10°C., preferably from −10° C. to +10° C., in particular from 0° C. to +10°C., for from 2 to 8 hours, followed by reaction of the resultant productwith a 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidylamine of the formula (B-6-2). Themolar ratio of the 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidylamine to polyamine ofthe formula (B-6-1) employed is for example from 4:1 to 8:1. Thequantity of the 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidylamine can be added in oneportion or in more than one portion at intervals of a few hours.

[0305] The molar ratio of polyamine of the formula (B-6-1) to cyanuricchloride to 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidylamine of the formula (B-6-2)is preferably from 1:3:5 to 1:3:6.

[0306] The following example indicates one way of preparing a preferredproduct (B-6-a).

[0307] Example: 23.6 g (0.128 mol) of cyanuric chloride, 7.43 g (0.0426mol) of N,N′-bis[3-aminopropyl]ethylenediamine and 18 g (0.13 mol) ofanhydrous potassium carbonate are reacted at 5° C. for 3 hours withstirring in 250 ml of 1,2-dichloroethane. The mixture is warmed at roomtemperature for a further 4 hours. 27.2 g (0.128 mol) ofN-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)butylamine are added and theresultant mixture is warmed at 60° C. for 2 hours. A further 18 g (0.13mol) of anhydrous potassium carbonate are added and the mixture iswarmed at 60° C. for a further 6 hours. The solvent is removed bydistillation under a slight vacuum (200 mbar) and replaced by xylene.18.2 g (0.085 mol) of N-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)butylamine and5.2 g (0.13 mol) of ground sodium hydroxide are added, the mixture isheated at reflux for 2 hours and, for a further 12 hours, the waterformed during the reaction is removed by azeotropic distillation. Themixture is filtered. The solution is washed with water and dried overNa₂SO₄. The solvent is evaporated and the residue is dried at 120-130°C. in vacuo (0.1 mbar). The desired product is obtained as a colourlessresin.

[0308] In general, the product (B-6) can, for example, be represented bya compound of the formula (B-6-α), (B-6-β) or (B-6-γ). It can also be inthe form of a mixture of these three compounds.

[0309] A preferred meaning of the formula (B-6-α) is

[0310] A preferred meaning of the formula (B-6-β) is

[0311] A preferred meaning of the formula (B-6-γ) is

[0312] In the above formulae (B-6-α) to (B-6-γ), b₅ is preferably 2 to20, in particular 2 to 10.

[0313] The sterically hindered amine compounds of component (c) arepreferably selected from the group consisting of the followingcommercial products: DASTIB 845 (RTM), TINUVIN 770 (RTM), TINUVIN NOR371 (RTM), TINUVIN 765 (RTM), TINUVIN 144 (RTM), TINUVIN 123 (RTM),TINUVIN 111 (RTM), TINUVIN 783 (RTM), TINUVIN 791 (RTM), MARK LA 52(RTM), MARK LA 57 (RTM), MARK LA 62 (RTM), MARK LA 67 (RTM), HOSTAVIN N20 (RTM), HOSTAVIN N 24 (RTM), SANDUVOR 3050 (RTM), DIACETAM 5 (RTM),SUMISORB TM 61 (RTM), UVINUL 4049 (RTM), SANDUVOR PR 31(RTM), GOODRITEUV 3034 (RTM), GOODRITE UV 3150 (RTM), GOODRITE UV 3159 (RTM), GOODRITE3110×128 (RTM), UVINUL 4050 H (RTM), CHIMASSORB 944 (RTM), CHIMASSORB2020 (RTM), CYASORB UV 3346 (RTM), CYASORB UV 3529 (RTM), DASTIB 1082(RTM), CHIMASSORB 119 (RTM), UVASIL 299 (RTM), UVASIL 125 (RTM), UVASIL2000 (RTM), UVINUL 5050 H (RTM), LICHTSCHUTZSTOFF UV 31 (RTM), LUCHEM HAB 18 (RTM), MARK LA 63 (RTM), MARK LA 68 (RTM), UVASORB HA 88 (RTM),TINUVIN 622 (RTM), HOSTAVIN N 30 (RTM) and FERRO AM 806 (RTM).

[0314] Particularly preferred are TINUVIN 770 (RTM), TINUVIN NOR 371(RTM), TINUVIN 791 (RTM), TINUVIN 622 (RTM), TINUVIN 783 (RTM),CHIMASSORB 944 (RTM), CHIMASSORB 2020 (RTM) and CHIMASSORB 119 (RTM).

[0315] Most preferred is Tinuvin 770 (RTM), TINUVIN NOR 371 (RTM) andTINUVIN 791 (RTM).

[0316] The meanings of the terminal groups which saturate the freevalences in the compounds of the formulae (B-1), (B-3), (B-4), (B-5),(B-6-α), (B-6-β), (B-6-γ), (B-7), (B-8-a), (B-8-b) and (B-10) depend onthe processes used for their preparation. The terminal groups can alsobe modified after the preparation of the compounds.

[0317] If the compounds of the formula (B-1) are prepared by reacting acompound of the formula

[0318] in which X is, for example, halogen, in particular chlorine, andR₂₀₄ and R₂₀₅ are as defined above, with a compound of the formula

[0319] in which R₂₀₁, R₂₀₂ and R₂₀₃ are as defined above, the terminalgroup bonded to the diamino radical is hydrogen or

[0320] and the terminal group bonded to the triazine radical is X or

[0321] If X is halogen, it is advantageous to replace this, for example,by —OH or an amino group when the reaction is complete. Examples ofamino groups which may be mentioned are pyrrolidin-1-yl, morpholino,—NH₂, —N(C₁-C₈)alkyl)₂ and —NR(C₁-C₈alkyl), in which R is hydrogen or agroup of the formula (b-I).

[0322] The compounds of the formula (B-1) also cover compounds of theformula

[0323] wherein R₂₀₁, R₂₀₂, R₂₀₃, R₂₀₄, R₂₀₅ and b₁ are as defined aboveand R₂₀₄* has one of the meanings of R₂₀₄ and R₂₀₅* has one of themeanings of R₂₀₅.

[0324] One of the particularly preferred compounds of the formula (B-1)is

[0325] The preparation of this compound is described in Example 10 ofU.S. Pat. No. 6,046,304.

[0326] In the compounds of the formula (B-3), the terminal group bondedto the silicon atom can be, for example, (R₁₄)₃Si—O—, and the terminalgroup bonded to the oxygen can be, for example, —Si(R₁₄)₃.

[0327] The compounds of the formula (B-3) can also be in the form ofcyclic compounds if b₂ is a number from 3 to 10, i.e. the free valencesshown in the structural formula then form a direct bond.

[0328] In the compounds of the formula (B-4), the terminal group bondedto the 2,5-dioxopyrrolidine ring is, for example, hydrogen, and theterminal group bonded to the —C(R₂₂₃)(R₂₂₄)— radical is, for example,

[0329] In the compounds of the formula (B-5), the terminal group bondedto the carbonyl radical is, for example,

[0330] and the terminal group bonded to the oxygen radical is, forexample,

[0331] In the compounds of the formulae (B-6-α), (B-6-β) and (B-6-γ),the terminal group bonded to the triazine radical is, for example, Cl ora

[0332] group, and the terminal group bonded to the amino radical is, forexample, hydrogen or a

[0333] group.

[0334] If the compounds of the formula (B-7) are prepared, for example,by reacting a compound of the formula

[0335] in which A₁ is hydrogen or methyl, with a dicarboxylic aciddiester of the formula Y—OOC—A₂—COO—Y, in which Y is, for example,methyl, ethyl or propyl, and A₂ is as defined above, the terminal groupbonded to the 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-oxypiperidin-1-yl radical ishydrogen or —CO—A₂—COO—Y, and the terminal group bonded to the diacylradical is —O—Y or

[0336] In the compounds of the formula (B-8-a), the terminal groupbonded to the nitrogen can be, for example, hydrogen and the terminalgroup bonded to the 2-hydroxypropylene radical can be, for example, a

[0337] group.

[0338] In the compounds of the formula (B-8-b), the terminal groupbonded to the dimethylene radical can be, for example, —OH, and theterminal group bonded to the oxygen can be, for example, hydrogen. Theterminal groups can also be polyether radicals.

[0339] In the compounds of the formula (B-10), the end group bonded tothe —CH₂— residue can be, for example, hydrogen and the end group bondedto the —CH(CO₂A₇) residue can be, for example, —CH═CH—COOA₇.

[0340] Specific examples for the sterically hindered amines arebis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate,bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)succinate,bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate,bis(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate,bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)n-butyl-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylmalonate, the condensate of1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-hydroxypiperidine and succinicacid, linear or cyclic condensates ofN,N′-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)hexamethylenediamine and4-tert-octylamino-2,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazine,tris(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)nitrilotriacetate,tetrakis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-1,2,3,4-butane-tetracarboxylate,1,1′-(1,2-ethanediyl)-bis(3,3,5,5-tetramethylpiperazinone),4-benzoyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine,4-stearyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine,bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidyl)-2-n-butyl-2-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzyl)malonate,3-n-octyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decan-2,4-dione,bis(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl)succinate, linear or cycliccondensates ofN,N′-bis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)hexamethylenediamine and4-morpholino-2,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazine, the condensate of2-chloro-4,6-bis(4-n-butylamino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl)-1,3,5-triazine and 1,2-bis(3-aminopropylamino)ethane, the condensateof2-chloro-4,6-di-(4-n-butylamino-1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidyl)-1,3,5-triazineand 1,2-bis-(3-aminopropylamino)ethane,8-acetyl-3-dodecyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]-decane-2,4-dione,3-dodecyl-1-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)pyrrolidin-2,5-dione,3-dodecyl-1-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)pyrrolidine-2,5-dione, amixture of 4-hexadecyloxy- and4-stearyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, a condensation product ofN,N′-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)hexamethylenediamine and4-cyclohexylamino-2,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazine, a condensation product of1,2-bis(3-aminopropylamino)ethane and 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine aswell as 4-butylamino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine (CAS Reg. No.[136504-96-6]); N-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-n-dodecylsuccinimid,N-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)-n-dodecylsuccinimid,2-undecyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro[4,5]decane, areaction product of7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-2-cycloundecyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro[4,5]decane und epichlorohydrin,1,1-bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyloxycarbonyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethene,N,N′-bis-formyl-N,N′-bis(2,2,6,6-te-tramethyl-4-piperidyl)hexamethylenediamine,diester of 4-methoxy-methylene-malonic acid with1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-hydroxypiperidine,poly[methylpropyl-3-oxy-4-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)]siloxane andreaction product of maleic acid anhydride-α-olefin-copolymer with2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-aminopiperidine,1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-aminopiperidine or a compound

[0341] in which n is from 1 to 15, disclosed in example 2 of U.S. Pat.No. 6,117,995.

[0342] The sterically hindered amines mentioned above are known and arelargely items of commerce. They are for example used in an amount from0.005 to 5%, preferably from 0.1 to 2% by weight based on the weight ofthe polymer.

[0343] Commercial examples are Tinuvin® 111, 783, 494, 492, NOR 371,944, 622 from Ciba Specialty Chemicals Inc.; Hostavin® N30, N391 fromClariant Inc.; Cyasorb® 3346, 3529, 1084, Cyasorb® THT 6435, THT6460,THT4611 from Cytech Inc.; Mark® LA62 from Adeka Argus Inc. or Sigma HA88from 3V Sigma Inc.

[0344] In some cases it may be advantageous to add additionally metaloxides or hydroxides. Examples are the oxides of zinc, aluminum, calciumor magnesium, or the hydroxides of zinc, aluminum or calcium, inparticular zinc oxide (ZnO), zinc hydroxide (Zn(O)₂), ortho or metaaluminum (Al(OH)₃), alpha or gamma-aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), or magnesiumoxide (MgO), Special preference is given to ZnO, Zn(OH)₂ or MgO. Metalcarboxylates may optionally also be added. These are mainly salts of Al,Ba, Mg, Sr or Zn. Preferred are salts of aluminum, calcium, magnesium orzinc, especially of C₁₂-C₁₈ carboxylic acids. Preferred are calciumsalts, for example calcium stearate. Hydrocalcites are in generalpreferred.

[0345] The commercial sterically hindered amines given above arepartially blends with UV-absorbers (THT series) or contain furtherprocessing additives, such as ZnO, MgO, Ca-stearate, Zn-stearate.

[0346] The condensation product is of formula (I) and/or (II)

[0347] The reaction and the products are known and have the followingCAS numbers: (I) is No. 1753-47-5 and (II) is No. 152734-34-4. Thecondensation reaction is typically carried out in a solvent, such as forexample ethanol. Depending on the amount of additional NH₄OH theformation of product (I) or (II) is favored. The condensationtemperature range is typically from 30° C. to 100° C. The condensationis usually carried out at atmospheric pressure. Preferably R₁₀₁ and R₁₀₂are methyl.

[0348] The polymeric composition is for example in the form of a filmused in agricultural applications. It may be a self-supporting filmconstruction or a film may be laminated onto, for example, glass orpolycarbonate. When used in agricultural applications the film ispreferably used for greenhouses, as mulch film or small tunnel cover.The film can form the cover of a greenhouse, protecting the plants fromthe influences of the surrounding or the film can be used in the insideof a greenhouse to cover or protect the plants or a part of the plantsfrom influences originating from inside, such as artificial watering orspraying of herbicides and/or insecticides.

[0349] Preferably the condensation product is present in an amount offrom 0.005% to 10%, more preferably of from 0.05% to 4% and mostpreferably of from 0.1% to 2.5% by weight based on the weight of thethermoplastic polymer.

[0350] The thermoplastic polymer film is preferably transparent.Transparent means in the context of the present invention that more than50%, preferably more than 70% of the incident radiation in the visiblerange between 400 and 720 nm pass through the polymer film. This is, forexample, measured by measuring the total incident radiation (directionaland diffuse) and the total transmitted radiation behind the film(directional and diffuse).

[0351] The level of transparency necessary for an optimum plant growthdepends on the latitude. For example, near the equator less transparencyis desirable than in the temperate zone.

[0352] The thermoplastic polymer film can be made from a variety ofpolymers. Examples are given below.

[0353] 1. Polymers of monoolefins and diolefins, for examplepolypropylene, polyisobutylene, polybut-1-ene, poly-4-methylpent-1-ene,polyvinylcyclohexane, polyisoprene or polybutadiene, as well as polymersof cycloolefins, for instance of cyclopentene or norbornene,polyethylene (which optionally can be crosslinked), for example highdensity polyethylene (HDPE), high density and high molecular weightpolyethylene (HDPE-HMW), high density and ultrahigh molecular weightpolyethylene (HDPE-UHMW), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), lowdensity polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE),(VLDPE) and (ULDPE).

[0354] Polyolefins, i.e. the polymers of monoolefins exemplified in thepreceding paragraph, preferably polyethylene and polypropylene, can beprepared by different, and especially by the following, methods:

[0355] a) radical polymerisation (normally under high pressure and atelevated temperature).

[0356] b) catalytic polymerisation using a catalyst that normallycontains one or more than one metal of groups IVb, Vb, VIb or VIII ofthe Periodic Table. These metals usually have one or more than oneligand, typically oxides, halides, alcoholates, esters, ethers, amines,alkyls, alkenyls and/or aryls that may be either π- or σ-coordinated.These metal complexes may be in the free form or fixed on substrates,typically on activated magnesium chloride, titanium(III) chloride,alumina or silicon oxide. These catalysts may be soluble or insoluble inthe polymerisation medium. The catalysts can be used by themselves inthe polymerisation or further activators may be used, typically metalalkyls, metal hydrides, metal alkyl halides, metal alkyl oxides or metalalkyloxanes, said metals being elements of groups Ia, IIa and/or IIIa ofthe Periodic Table. The activators may be modified conveniently withfurther ester, ether, amine or silyl ether groups. These catalystsystems are usually termed Phillips, Standard Oil Indiana, Ziegler(-Natta), TNZ (DuPont), metallocene or single site catalysts (SSC).

[0357] 2. Mixtures of the polymers mentioned under 1), for examplemixtures of polypropylene with polyisobutylene, polypropylene withpolyethylene (for example PP/HDPE, PP/LDPE) and mixtures of differenttypes of polyethylene (for example LDPE/HDPE).

[0358] 3. Copolymers of monoolefins and diolefins with each other orwith other vinyl monomers, for example ethylene/propylene copolymers,linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and mixtures thereof with lowdensity polyethylene (LDPE), propylene/but-1-ene copolymers,propylene/isobutylene copolymers, ethylene/but-1-ene copolymers,ethylene/hexene copolymers, ethylene/methylpentene copolymers,ethylene/heptene copolymers, ethylene/octene copolymers,ethylene/vinylcyclohexane copolymers, ethylene/cycloolefin copolymers(e.g. ethylene/norbornene like COC), ethylene/1-olefins copolymers,where the 1-olefin is generated in-situ; propylene/butadiene copolymers,isobutylene/isoprene copolymers, ethylene/vinylcyclohexene copolymers,ethylene/alkyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene/alkyl methacrylatecopolymers, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers or ethylene/acrylic acidcopolymers and their salts (ionomers) as well as terpolymers of ethylenewith propylene and a diene such as hexadiene, dicyclopentadiene orethylidene-norbornene; and mixtures of such copolymers with one anotherand with polymers mentioned in 1) above, for examplepolypropylene/ethylene-propylene copolymers, LDPE/ethylene-vinyl acetatecopolymers (EVA), LDPE/ethyleneacrylic acid copolymers (EAA), LLDPE/EVA,LLDPE/EAA and alternating or random polyalkylene/carbon monoxidecopolymers and mixtures thereof with other polymers, for examplepolyamides.

[0359] 4. Hydrocarbon resins (for example C₅-C₉) including hydrogenatedmodifications thereof (e.g. tackifiers) and mixtures of polyalkylenesand starch.

[0360] Homopolymers and copolymers from 1.)-4.) may have anystereostructure including syndio-tactic, isotactic, hemi-isotactic oratactic; where atactic polymers are preferred. Stereoblock polymers arealso included.

[0361] 5. Polystyrene, poly(p-methylstyrene), poly(α-methylstyrene).

[0362] 6. Aromatic homopolymers and copolymers derived from vinylaromatic monomers including styrene, α-methylstyrene, all isomers ofvinyl toluene, especially p-vinyltoluene, all isomers of ethyl styrene,propyl styrene, vinyl biphenyl, vinyl naphthalene, and vinyl anthracene,and mixtures thereof. Homopolymers and copolymers may have anystereostructure including syndiotactic, isotactic, hemi-isotactic oratactic; where atactic polymers are preferred. Stereoblock polymers arealso included.

[0363] 6a. Copolymers including aforementioned vinyl aromatic monomersand comonomers selected from ethylene, propylene, dienes, nitriles,acids, maleic anhydrides, maleimides, vinyl acetate and vinyl chlorideor acrylic derivatives and mixtures thereof, for examplestyrene/butadiene, styrene/acrylonitrile, styrene/ethylene(interpolymers), styrene/alkyl methacrylate, styrene/butadiene/alkylacrylate, styrene/butadiene/alkyl methacrylate, styrene/maleicanhydride, styrene/acrylonitrile/methyl acrylate; mixtures of highimpact strength of styrene copolymers and another polymer, for example apolyacrylate, a diene polymer or an ethylene/propylene/diene terpolymer;and block copolymers of styrene such as styrene/butadiene/styrene,styrene/isoprene/styrene, styrene/ethylene/butylene/styrene orstyrene/ethylene/propylene/styrene.

[0364] 6b. Hydrogenated aromatic polymers derived from hydrogenation ofpolymers mentioned under 6.), especially includingpolycyclohexylethylene (PCHE) prepared by hydrogenating atacticpolystyrene, often referred to as polyvinylcyclohexane (PVCH).

[0365] 6c. Hydrogenated aromatic polymers derived from hydrogenation ofpolymers mentioned under 6a.).

[0366] Homopolymers and copolymers may have any stereostructureincluding syndiotactic, isotactic, hemi-isotactic or atactic; whereatactic polymers are preferred. Stereoblock polymers are also included.

[0367] 7. Graft copolymers of vinyl aromatic monomers such as styrene orα-methylstyrene, for example styrene on polybutadiene, styrene onpolybutadiene-styrene or polybutadiene-acrylonitrile copolymers; styreneand acrylonitrile (or methacrylonitrile) on polybutadiene; styrene,acrylonitrile and methyl methacrylate on polybutadiene; styrene andmaleic anhydride on polybutadiene; styrene, acrylonitrile and maleicanhydride or maleimide on polybutadiene; styrene and maleimide onpolybutadiene; styrene and alkyl acrylates or methacrylates onpolybutadiene; styrene and acrylonitrile on ethylene/propylene/dieneterpolymers; styrene and acrylonitrile on polyalkyl acrylates orpolyalkyl methacrylates, styrene and acrylonitrile on acrylate/butadienecopolymers, as well as mixtures thereof with the copolymers listed under6), for example the copolymer mixtures known as ABS, MBS, ASA or AESpolymers.

[0368] 8. Halogen-containing polymers such as polychloroprene,chlorinated rubbers, chlorinated and brominated copolymer ofisobutylene-isoprene (halobutyl rubber), chlorinated orsulfo-chlorinated polyethylene, copolymers of ethylene and chlorinatedethylene, epichlorohydrin homo- and copolymers, especially polymers ofhalogen-containing vinyl compounds, for example polyvinyl chloride,polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride, aswell as copolymers thereof such as vinyl chloride/vinylidene chloride,vinyl chloride/vinyl acetate or vinylidene chloride/vinyl acetatecopolymers.

[0369] 9. Polymers derived from α,β-unsaturated acids and derivativesthereof such as polyacrylates and polymethacrylates; polymethylmethacrylates, polyacrylamides and polyacrylonitriles, impact-modifiedwith butyl acrylate.

[0370] 10. Copolymers of the monomers mentioned under 9) with each otheror with other unsaturated monomers, for example acrylonitrile/butadienecopolymers, acrylonitrile/alkyl acrylate copolymers,acrylonitrile/alkoxyalkyl acrylate or acrylonitrile/vinyl halidecopolymers or acrylonitrile/alkyl methacrylate/butadiene terpolymers.

[0371] 11. Polymers derived from unsaturated alcohols and amines or theacyl derivatives or acetals thereof, for example polyvinyl alcohol,polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl stearate, polyvinyl benzoate, polyvinylmaleate, polyvinyl butyral, polyallyl phthalate or polyallyl melamine;as well as their copolymers with olefins mentioned in 1) above.

[0372] 12. Homopolymers and copolymers of cyclic ethers such aspolyalkylene glycols, polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide orcopolymers thereof with bisglycidyl ethers.

[0373] 13. Polyacetals such as polyoxymethylene and thosepolyoxymethylenes which contain ethylene oxide as a comonomer;polyacetals modified with thermoplastic polyurethanes, acrylates or MBS.

[0374] 14. Polyphenylene oxides and sulfides, and mixtures ofpolyphenylene oxides with styrene polymers or polyamides.

[0375] 15. Polyurethanes derived from hydroxyl-terminated polyethers,polyesters or polybutadienes on the one hand and aliphatic or aromaticpolyisocyanates on the other, as well as precursors thereof.

[0376] 16. Polyamides and copolyamides derived from diamines anddicarboxylic acids and/or from aminocarboxylic acids or thecorresponding lactams, for example polyamide 4, polyamide 6, polyamide6/6, 6/10, 6/9, 6/12, 4/6, 12/12, polyamide 11, polyamide 12, aromaticpolyamides starting from m-xylene diamine and adipic acid; polyamidesprepared from hexamethylenediamine and isophthalic or/and terephthalicacid and with or without an elastomer as modifier, for examplepoly-2,4,4,-trimethylhexamethylene terephthalamide or polym-phenyleneisophthalamide; and also block copolymers of the aforementionedpolyamides with polyolefins, olefin copolymers, ionomers or chemicallybonded or grafted elastomers; or with polyethers, e.g. with polyethyleneglycol, polypropylene glycol or polytetramethylene glycol; as well aspolyamides or copolyamides modified with EPDM or ABS; and polyamidescondensed during processing (RIM polyamide systems).

[0377] 17. Polyureas, polyimides, polyamide-imides, polyetherimids,polyesterimids, polyhydantoins and polybenzimidazoles.

[0378] 18. Polyesters derived from dicarboxylic acids and diols and/orfrom hydroxycarboxylic acids or the corresponding lactones, for examplepolyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate,poly-1,4-dimethylolcyclohexane terephthalate, polyalkylene naphthalate(PAN) and polyhydroxybenzoates, as well as block copolyether estersderived from hydroxyl-terminated polyethers; and also polyestersmodified with polycarbonates or MBS.

[0379] 19. Polycarbonates and polyester carbonates.

[0380] 20. Polyketones.

[0381] 21. Polysulfones, polyether sulfones and polyether ketones.

[0382] 22. Blends of the aforementioned polymers (polyblends), forexample PP/EPDM, Polyamide/EPDM or ABS, PVC/EVA, PVC/ABS, PVC/MBS,PC/ABS, PBTP/ABS, PC/ASA, PC/PBT, PVC/CPE, PVC/acrylates,POM/thermoplastic PUR, PC/thermoplastic PUR, POM/acrylate, POM/MBS,PPO/HIPS, PPO/PA 6.6 and copolymers, PA/HDPE, PA/PP, PA/PPO, PBT/PC/ABSor PBT/PET/PC.

[0383] Preferred is a thermoplastic polymer selected from the groupconsisting of a polyolefin, a polyester, a polyvinylalcohol, apolyvinylacetate and a polycarbonate.

[0384] Suitable thermoplastic polymer are also starch modifiedpolyolefines, starch based polymer composites, biopolymers such aspolycaprolactone, polylactic acid, polyglycollic acid,polyhydroxybutyrate-valerate, polybutylene succinate, polyvinyl alcohol,polyhydroxy-alcanoate or polyethylene adipate.

[0385] Particularly preferred are polyolefins or polyvinylacetates, inparticular (PE), polyethylene, (LDPE), low density polyethylene, linearlow density polyethylene (LLDPE), (VLDPE), (ULDPE) and ethylvinylacetate(EVA).

[0386] Preferably the thermoplastic polymer is in the form of a filmwith a thickness from 10μ to 300μ, in particular from 10μ to 200μ.

[0387] In a specific embodiment of the invention the film is amultilayer construction of between 2 and 7 polymer layers containing thecomponents b), c1), c2) or c3) as described above in at least 1 layer.

[0388] In this case a polymer composition of the invention containing arelatively large amount of the condensation product, of the UV-absorberor/and the sterically hindered amine, for example 1-15% by weight, isapplied in a thin layer (10-20μ) to a shaped article made from a polymercontaining little or no condensation product and other additive.Application can be made at the same time as the shaping of the basearticle, for example by coextrusion. Alternatively, application can bemade to the base article after it has been shaped, for example bylamination with a film or by coating with a solution.

[0389] The thermoplastic polymer film may contain an additional additiveselected from the group consisting of a phenolic antioxidant, aphosphite or phosphonite, a further fluorescent dye or pigment, aprocessing aid, a filler or reinforcing material and an antifogadditive.

[0390] Examples for further additives are given below.

[0391] 1. Antioxidants

[0392] 1.1. Alkylated monophenols, for example2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol, 2-tert-butyl-4,6-dimethylphenol,2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-n-butylphenol,2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-isobutylphenol, 2,6-dicyclopentyl-4-methylphenol,2-(α-methylcyclohexyl)-4,6-dimethylphenol,2,6-dioctadecyl-4-methylphenol, 2,4,6-tricyclohexylphenol,2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methoxymethylphenol, nonylphenols which are linearor branched in the side chains, for example,2,6-di-nonyl-4-methylphenol,2,4-dimethyl-6-(1′-methylundec-1′-yl)phenol,2,4-dimethyl-6-(1′-methylheptadec-1′-yl)phenol,2,4-dimethyl-6-(1′-methyltridec-1′-yl)phenol and mixtures thereof.

[0393] 1.2. Alkylthiomethylphenols, for example2,4-dioctylthiomethyl-6-tert-butylphenol,2,4-dioctylthiomethyl-6-methylphenol,2,4-dioctylthiomethyl-6-ethylphenol,2,6-di-dodecylthiomethyl-4-nonylphenol.

[0394] 1.3. Hydroquinones and alkylated hydroquinones, for example2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenol, 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone,2,5-di-tert-amylhydroquinone, 2,6-diphenyl-4-octade-cyloxyphenol,2,6-di-tert-butylhydroquinone, 2,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole,3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylstearate, bis-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) adipate.

[0395] 1.4. Tocopherols, for example α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol,γ-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol and mixtures thereof (Vitamin E).

[0396] 1.5. Hydroxylated thiodiphenyl ethers, for example2,2′-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol), 2,2′-thiobis(4-octylphenol),4,4′-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-3-methylphenol),4,4′-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-2-methylphenol),4,4′-thiobis-(3,6-di-sec-amylphenol),4,4′-bis(2,6-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)disulfide.

[0397] 1.6. Alkylidenebisphenols, for example2,2′-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol),2,2′-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol),2,2′-methylenebis[4-methyl-6-(α-methylcyclohexyl)-phenol],2,2′-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-cyclohexylphenol),2,2′-methylenebis(6-nonyl-4-methylphenol),2,2′-methylenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol),2,2′-ethylidenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol),2,2′-ethylidenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-isobutylphenol),2,2′-methylenebis[6-(α-methylbenzyl)-4-nonylphenol],2,2′-methylenebis[6-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-4-nonylphenol],4,4′-methylenebis-(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol),4,4′-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-2-methylphenol),1,1-bis(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)butane,2,6-bis(3-tert-butyl-5-methyl-2-hydroxybenzyl)-4-methylphenol,1,1,3-tris(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)butane,1,1-bis(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methyl-phenyl)-3-n-dodecylmercaptobutane,ethylene glycol bis[3,3-bis(3′-tert-butyl-4′-hydroxyphenyl)butyrate],bis(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methyl-phenyl)dicyclopentadiene,bis[2-(3′-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxy-5′-methylbenzyl)-6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenyl]terephthalate,1,1-bis-(3,5-dimethyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)butane,2,2-bis-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,2,2-bis-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy2-methylphenyl)-4-n-dodecylmercaptobutane,1,1,5,5-tetra-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)pentane.

[0398] 1.7. O-, N- and S-benzyl compounds, for example3,5,3′,5′-tetra-tert-butyl-4,4′-dihydroxydibenzyl ether,octadecyl-4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylbenzylmercaptoacetate,tridecyl-4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzylmercaptoacetate,tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)amine,bis(4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)dithioterephthalate,bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)sulfide,isooctyl-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylmercaptoacetate.

[0399] 1.8. Hydroxybenzylated malonates, for exampledioctadecyl-2,2-bis-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzyl)-malonate,di-octadecyl-2-(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methylbenzyl)-malonate,di-dodecylmercaptoethyl-2,2-bis-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)malonate,bis[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl]-2,2-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)malonate.

[0400] 1.9. Aromatic hydroxybenzyl compounds, for example1,3,5-tris-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene,1,4-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-2,3,5,6-tetramethylbenzene,2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)phenol.

[0401] 1.10. Triazine Compounds, for example2,4-bis(octylmercapto)-6-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanilino)-1,3,5-triazine,2-octylmercapto-4,6-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanilino)-1,3,5-triazine,2-octylmercapto-4,6-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenoxy)-1,3,5-triazine,2,4,6-tris-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenoxy)-1,2,3-triazine,1,3,5-tris-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)isocyanurate,1,3,5-tris(4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)isocyanurate,2,4,6-tris-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylethyl)-1,3,5-triazine,1,3,5-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)-hexahydro-1,3,5-triazine,1,3,5-tris(3,5-dicyclohexyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)isocyanurate.

[0402] 1.11. Benzylphosphonates, for exampledimethyl-2,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate,diethyl-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate,dioctadecyl3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate,dioctadecyl-5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-3-methylbenzylphosphonate,the calciumsalt of the monoethyl ester of3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonic acid.

[0403] 1.12. Acylaminophenols, for example 4-hydroxylauranilide,4-hydroxystearanilide, octylN-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)carbamate.

[0404] 1.13. Esters of β-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionicacid with mono- or polyhydric alcohols, e.g. with methanol, ethanol,n-octanol, i-octanol, octadecanol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,9-nonanediol,ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, neopentyl glycol, thiodiethyleneglycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol,tris(hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate, N,N′-bis(hydroxyethyl)oxamide,3-thiaundecanol, 3-thiapentadecanol, trimethylhexanediol,trimethylolpropane,4-hydroxymethyl-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane.

[0405] 1.14. Esters ofβ-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)propionic acid with mono- orpolyhydric alcohols, e.g. with methanol, ethanol, n-octanol, i-octanol,octadecanol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, ethylene glycol,1,2-propanediol, neopentyl glycol, thiodiethylene glycol, diethyleneglycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol, tris(hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate, N,N′-bis-(hydroxyethyl)oxamide, 3-thiaundecanol,3-thiapentadecanol, trimethylhexanediol, trimethylolpropane,4-hydroxymethyl-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane.

[0406] 1.15. Esters of β-(3,5-dicyclohexyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionicacid with mono- or polyhydric alcohols, e.g. with methanol, ethanol,octanol, octadecanol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, ethylene glycol,1,2-propanediol, neopentyl glycol, thiodiethylene glycol, diethyleneglycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol,tris(hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate, N,N′-bis(hydroxyethyl)oxamide,3-thiaundecanol, 3-thiapentadecanol, trimethylhexanediol,trimethylolpropane,4-hydroxymethyl-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane.

[0407] 1.16. Esters of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl acetic acidwith mono- or polyhydric alcohols, e.g. with methanol, ethanol, octanol,octadecanol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, ethylene glycol,1,2-propanediol, neopentyl glycol, thiodiethylene glycol, diethyleneglycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol,tris(hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate, N,N′-bis(hydroxyethyl)oxamide,3-thiaundecanol, 3-thiapentadecanol, trimethylhexanediol,trimethylolpropane,4-hydroxymethyl-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane.

[0408] 1.17. Amides of β-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionicacid e.g.N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)hexamethylenediamide,N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)trimethylenediamide,N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)-hydrazide,N,N′-bis[2-(3-[3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl]propionyloxy)ethyl]oxamide(Naugard® XL-1 supplied by Uniroyal).

[0409] 1.18. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)

[0410] 1.19. Aminic antioxidants, for exampleN,N′-di-isopropyl-p-phenylenediamine,N,N′-di-sec-butyl-p-phenylenediamine,N,N′-bis(1,4-dimethylpentyl)-p-phenylenediamine,N,N′-bis(1-ethyl-3-methylpentyl)-p-phenylenediamine,N,N′-bis(1-methylheptyl)-p-phenylenediamine,N,N′-dicyclohexyl-p-phenylenediamine, N,N′-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine,N,N′-bis(2-naphthyl)-p-phenylenediamine,N-isopropyl-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine,N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine,N-(1-methylheptyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine,N-cyclohexyl-N′-phenyl-p-phenlenediamine,4-(p-toluenesulfamoyl)diphenylamine,N,N′-dimethyl-N,N′-di-sec-butyl-p-phenylenediamine, diphenylamine,N-allyldiphenylamine, 4-isopropoxydiphenylamine,N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine, N-(4-tert-octylphenyl)-1-naphthylamine,N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine, octylated diphenylamine, for examplep,p′-di-tert-octyidiphenylamine, 4-n-butylaminophenol,4-butyrylaminophenol, 4-nonanoylaminophenol, 4-dodecanoylaminophenol,4-octadecanoylaminophenol, bis(4-methoxyphenyl)amine,2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-dimethylaminomethylphenol,2,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane, 4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane,N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane,1,2-bis[(2-methylphenyl)amino]ethane, 1,2-bis-(phenylamino)propane,(o-tolyl)biguanide, bis[4-(1′,3′-dimethylbutyl)phenyl]amine,tert-octylated N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine, a mixture of mono- anddialkylated tert-butyl/tert-octyldiphenylamines, a mixture of mono- anddialkylated nonyldiphenylamines, a mixture of mono- and dialkylateddodecyldiphenylamines, a mixture of mono- and dialkylatedisopropyl/isohexyldiphenylamines, a mixture of mono- und dialkylatedtert-butyldiphenylamines, 2,3-dihydro-3,3-dimethyl-4H-1,4-benzothiazine,phenothiazine, a mixture of mono- und dialkylatedtert-butyl/tert-octylphenothiazines, a mixture of mono- und dialkylatedtert-octyl-phenothiazines, N-allylphenothiazin,N,N,N′,N′-tetraphenyl-1,4-diaminobut-2-ene,N,N-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperid-4-yl-hexamethylenediamine,bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperid-4-yl)sebacate,2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-one, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-ol.

[0411] 2. Other UV Absorbers and Light Stabilisers

[0412] 2.1. Esters of substituted and unsubstituted benzoic acids, asfor example 4-tertbutyl-phenyl salicylate, phenyl salicylate,octylphenyl salicylate, dibenzoyl resorcinol, bis(4-tert-butylbenzoyl)resorcinol, benzoyl resorcinol, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, hexadecyl3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, octadecyl3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, 2-methyl-4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate.

[0413] 2.2. Acrylates, for example ethyl α-cyano-β,β-diphenylacrylate,isooctyl α-cyano-β,β-diphenylacrylate, methyl α-carbomethoxycinnamate,methyl α-cyano-β-methyl-p-methoxy-cinnamate, butylα-cyano-β-methyl-p-methoxy-cinnamate, methylα-carbomethoxy-p-methoxycinnamate andN-(β-carbomethoxy-β-cyanovinyl)-2-methylindoline.

[0414] 2.3. Nickel compounds, for example nickel complexes of2,2′-thio-bis-[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethyl-butyl)phenol], such as the 1:1 or1:2 complex, with or without additional ligands such as n-butylamine,triethanolamine or N-cyclohexyldiethanolamine, nickeldibutyldithiocarbamate, nickel salts of the monoalkyl esters, e.g. themethyl or ethyl ester, of 4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzylphosphonicacid, nickel complexes of ketoximes, e.g. of 2-hydroxy-4-methylphenylundecylketoxime, nickel complexes of1-phenyl-4-lauroyl-5-hydroxypyrazole, with or without additionalligands.

[0415] 3. Metal deactivators, for example N,N′-diphenyloxamide,N-salicylal-N′-salicyloyl hydrazine, N,N′-bis(salicyloyl) hydrazine,N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl) hydrazine,3-salicyloylamino-1,2,4-triazole, bis(benzylidene)oxalyl dihydrazide,oxanilide, isophthaloyl dihydrazide, sebacoyl bisphenylhydrazide,N,N′-diacetyladipoyl dihydrazide, N,N′-bis(salicyloyl)oxalyldihydrazide, N,N′-bis(salicyloyl)thiopropionyl dihydrazide.

[0416] 4. Phosphites and phosphonites, for example triphenyl phosphite,diphenyl alkyl phosphites, phenyl dialkyl phosphites, tris(nonylphenyl)phosphite, trilauryl phosphite, trioctadecyl phosphite, distearylpentaerythritol diphosphite, tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite,diisodecyl pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite,bis(2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenyl)-pentaerythritol diphosphite,diisodecyloxypentaerythritol diphosphite,bis(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-methylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite,bis(2,4,6-tris(tert-butylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite, tristearylsorbitol triphosphite, tetrakis(2,4-di-tert-butyl-phenyl)4,4′-biphenylene diphosphonite,6-isooctyloxy-2,4,8,10-tetra-tert-butyl-12H-dibenz-[d,g]-1,3,2-dioxaphosphocin,bis(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-methylphenyl) methyl phosphite,bis(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-methylphenyl) ethyl phosphite,6-fluoro-2,4,8,10-tetra-tert-butyl-12-methyl-di-benz[d,g]-1,3,2-dioxaphosphocin,2,2′,2″-nitrilo[triethyltris(3,3′,5,5′-tetra-tert-butyl-1,1′-biphenyl-2,2′-diyl)phosphite],2-ethylhexyl(3,3′,5,5′-tetra-tert-butyl-1,1′-biphenyl-2,2′-diyl)phosphite,5-butyl-5-ethyl-2-(2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenoxy)-1,3,2-dioxaphosphirane.

[0417] Especially preferred are the following phosphites:

[0418] Tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite (Irgafos® 168,Ciba-Geigy), tris(nonylphenyl) phosphite,

[0419] 5. Hydroxylamines, for example, N,N-dibenzylhydroxylamine,N,N-diethylhydroxylamine, N,N-dioctylhydroxylamine,N,N-dilaurylhydroxylamine, N,N-ditetradecylhydroxylamine,N,N-dihexadecylhydroxylamine, N,N-dioctadecylhydroxylamine,N-hexadecyl-N-octadecylhydroxylamine,N-heptadecyl-N-octadecylhydroxylamine, N,N-dialkylhydroxylamine derivedfrom hydrogenated tallow amine.

[0420] 6. Nitrones, for example, N-benzyl-alpha-phenyl-nitrone,N-ethyl-alpha-methyl-nitrone, N-octyl-alpha-heptyl-nitrone,N-lauryl-alpha-undecyl-nitrone, N-tetradecyl-alpha-tridcyl-nitrone,N-hexadecyl-alpha-pentadecyl-nitrone,N-octadecyl-alpha-heptadecyl-nitrone,N-hexadecyl-alpha-heptadecyl-nitrone,N-ocatadecyl-alpha-pentadecyl-nitrone,N-heptadecyl-alpha-heptadecyl-nitrone,N-octadecyl-alpha-hexadecyl-nitrone, nitrone derived fromN,N-dialkylhydroxylamine derived from hydrogenated tallow amine.

[0421] 7. Thiosynergists, for example, dilauryl thiodipropionate ordistearyl thiodipropionate.

[0422] 8. Peroxide scavengers, for example esters of β-thiodipropionicacid, for example the lauryl, stearyl, myristyl or tridecyl esters,mercaptobenzimidazole or the zinc salt of 2-mercaptobenzimidazole, zincdibutyldithiocarbamate, dioctadecyl disulfide, pentaerythritoltetrakis(β-dodecylmercapto)propionate.

[0423] 9. Polyamide stabilisers, for example, copper salts incombination with iodides and/or phosphorus compounds and salts ofdivalent manganese.

[0424] 10. Basic co-stabilisers, for example, melamine,polyvinylpyrrolidone, dicyandiamide, triallyl cyanurate, ureaderivatives, hydrazine derivatives, amines, polyamides, polyurethanes,alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts of higher fatty acidsfor example calcium stearate, zinc stearate, magnesium behenate,magnesium stearate, sodium ricinoleate and potassium palmitate, antimonypyrocatecholate or zink pyrocatecholate.

[0425] 11. Nucleating agents, for example, inorganic substances such astalcum, metal oxides such as titanium dioxide or magnesium oxide,phosphates, carbonates or sulfates of, preferably, alkaline earthmetals; organic compounds such as mono- or polycarboxylic acids and thesalts thereof, e.g. 4-tert-butylbenzoic acid, adipic acid,diphenylacetic acid, sodium succinate or sodium benzoate; polymericcompounds such as ionic copolymers (ionomers). Especially preferred are1,3:2,4-bis(3′,4′-dimethylbenzylidene)sorbitol,1,3:2,4-di(paramethyldibenzylidene)sorbitol, und1,3:2,4-di(benzylidene)sorbitol.

[0426] 12. Fillers and reinforcing agents, for example, calciumcarbonate, silicates, glass fibres, glass bulbs, asbestos, talc, kaolin,mica, barium sulfate, metal oxides and hydroxides, carbon black,graphite, wood flour and flours or fibers of other natural products,synthetic fibers.

[0427] 13. Other additives, for example, plasticisers, lubricants,emulsifiers, pigments, rheology additives, catalysts, flow-controlagents, optical brighteners, flameproofing agents, antistatic agents,oxygen absorbers and blowing agents.

[0428] 13a) Anti-fog additives. for example glycerol esters,polyglycerolesters, sorbitan esters and their ethoxylates, nonyl phenolethoxylates, alcohol ethoxylates (see Plastics Additives Handbook,edited by H. Zweifel, 5^(th) edition, Hanser 2001, pages 609-626).

[0429] 14. Benzofuranones and indolinones, for example those disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,325,863; U.S. Pat. No. 4,338,244; U.S. Pat. No.5,175,312; U.S. Pat. No. 5,216,052; U.S. Pat. No. 5,252,643;DE-A-4316611; DE-A-4316622; DE-A-4316876; EP-A-0589839 or EP-A-0591102or 3-[4-(2-acetoxyethoxy)-phenyl]-5,7-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran-2-one,5,7-di-tert-butyl-3-[4-(2-stearoyloxyethoxy)phenyl]benzofuran-2-one,3,3′-bis[5,7-di-tert-butyl-3-(4-[2-hydroxyethoxy]phenyl)benzofuran-2-one],5,7-di-tert-butyl-3-(4-ethoxyphenyl)benzofuran-2-one,3-(4-acetoxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran-2-one,3-(3,5-dimethyl-4-pivaloyloxyphenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran-2-one,3-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran-2-one,3-(2,3-di-methylphenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran-2-one.

[0430] The nature and amount of the further additives added aredetermined by the nature of the substrate to be stabilized and itsintended use; in many cases from 0.1 to 5% by weight is used, based onthe polymer to be stabilized.

[0431] The additives of the invention and optional further componentsmay be added to the polymer material individually or mixed with oneanother. If desired, the individual components can be mixed with oneanother before incorporation into the polymer for example by dryblending, compaction or in the melt.

[0432] The incorporation of the additive of the invention and optionalfurther components into the polymer is carried out by known methods suchas dry blending in the form of a powder, or wet mixing in the form ofsolutions, dispersions or suspensions for example in an inert solvent,water or oil. The additive of the invention and optional furtheradditives may be incorporated, for example, before or after molding oralso by applying the dissolved or dispersed additve or additive mixtureto the polymer material, with or without subsequent evaporation of thesolvent or the suspension/dispersion agent. They may be added directlyinto the processing apparatus (e.g. extruders, internal mixers, etc),e.g. as a dry mixture or powder or as solution or dispersion orsuspension or melt.

[0433] The incorporation can be carried out in any heatable containerequipped with a stirrer, e.g. in a closed apparatus such as a kneader,mixer or stirred vessel. The incorporation is preferably carried out inan extruder or in a kneader. It is immaterial whether processing takesplace in an inert atmosphere or in the presence of oxygen.

[0434] The addition of the additive or additive blend to the polymer canbe carried out in all customary mixing machines in which the polymer ismelted and mixed with the additives. Suitable machines are known tothose skilled in the art. They are predominantly mixers, kneaders andextruders.

[0435] The process is preferably carried out in an extruder byintroducing the additive during processing.

[0436] Particularly preferred processing machines are single-screwextruders, contrarotating and corotating twin-screw extruders,planetary-gear extruders, ring extruders or cokneaders. It is alsopossible to use processing machines provided with at least one gasremoval compartment to which a vacuum can be applied.

[0437] Suitable extruders and kneaders are described, for example, inHandbuch der Kunststoffextrusion, Vol. 1 Grundlagen, Editors F. Hensen,W. Knappe, H. Potente, 1989, pp. 3-7, ISBN:3-446-14339-4 (Vol. 2Extrusionsanlagen 1986, ISBN 3-446-14329-7).

[0438] For example, the screw length is 1-60 screw diameters, preferably35-48 screw diameters. The rotational speed of the screw is preferably10-600 rotations per minute (rpm), very particularly preferably 25-300rpm.

[0439] The maximum throughput is dependent on the screw diameter, therotational speed and the driving force.

[0440] If a plurality of components are added, these can be premixed oradded individually. The additive of the invention and optional furtheradditives can also be sprayed onto the polymer material. They are ableto dilute other additives (for example the conventional additivesindicated above) or their melts so that they can be sprayed alsotogether with these additives onto the material. Addition by sprayingduring the deactivation of the polymerization catalysts is particularlyadvantageous; in this case, the steam evolved may be used fordeactivation of the catalyst. In the case of spherically polymerizedpolyolefins it may, for example, be advantageous to apply the additivesof the invention, optionally together with other additives, by spraying.

[0441] The additives of the invention and optional further additives canalso be added to the polymer in the form of a masterbatch(“concentrate”) which contains the components in a concentration of, forexample, about 1% to about 40% and preferably 2% to about 20% by weightincorporated in a polymer. The polymer must not be necessarily ofidentical structure than the polymer where the additives are addedfinally. In such operations, the polymer can be used in the form ofpowder, granules, solutions, suspensions or in the form of latices.

[0442] Incorporation can take place prior to or during the shapingoperation, or by applying the dissolved or dispersed compound to thepolymer, with or without subsequent evaporation of the solvent. In thecase of elastomers, these can also be stabilized as latices. A furtherpossibility for incorporating the additives of the invention intopolymers is to add them before, during or directly after thepolymerization of the corresponding monomers.

[0443] The films can be coextruded by film extrusion such as blown filmextrusion or by cast film extrusion or they can be laminated and theycan include layers based on polymers such as polyamide (PA 6 or 6,6 or11 or 12 or 6/6,6 copolymer including OPA), polyethylene terephtalate(PET including OPET), polyethylene naphtalate (PEN), ethylene vinylalcohol (EvOH), polypropylene (including OPP), ethylene acrylic acidcopolymers and their salts, ethylene methacrylic acid copolymers andtheir salts, or Polyvinylidenchloride (PVDC) or aluminum foil. The filmscan also be coated with the above polymers or silicone-based coatings(e.g. SiOx) or aluminum oxide or any other coating applied by plasma,web coating or electron-beam coating.

[0444] A further aspect of the invention is a process for enhancingplant growth, comprising exposing a plant to actinic radiation behind orunder a thermoplastic polymer composition in the form of a film forgreenhouses and small tunnel covers, a film or a filament for shadingnets and screens, a mulch film, a non- woven or molded article for theprotection of young plants containing a condensation product of

[0445] wherein R₁₀₁ and R₁₀₂ are independently hydrogen or C₁-C₁₈ alkyl;

[0446] a UV-absorber; or

[0447] a sterically hindered amine, containing at least one radical ofthe formula

[0448]  in which R is hydrogen or methyl; or

[0449] a UV-absorber and a sterically hindered amine, containing atleast one radical of the formula

[0450]  in which R is hydrogen or methyl.

[0451] Yet another aspect of the invention is the use of thecondensation product of

[0452] wherein R₁₀₁ and R₁₀₂ are independently hydrogen or C₁-C₁₈ alkyltogether with

[0453] a UV-absorber; or

[0454] a sterically hindered amine, containing at least one radical ofthe formula

[0455]  in which R is hydrogen or methyl; or

[0456] a UV-absorber and a sterically hindered amine, containing atleast one radical of the formula

[0457]  in which R is hydrogen or methyl.

[0458] as plant growth enhancing additive in thermoplastic polymers foragricultural applications in the form of films for greenhouses and smalltunnel covers, films or filaments for shading nets and screens, mulchfilms, non-wovens or molded articles for the protection of young plants.

[0459] Definitions and preferences have already been given for thecomposition and apply also for the process and use.

[0460] Nets can for example be used for increased ventilation (and as abarrier to insects) or for it's shading and energy savings.

[0461] Nets can be manufactured in different ways. One is to cut filmsin small stripes which are then woven. Another possibility is to startwith monofilament fibers, which are subsequently woven. A furtherpossibility for making shading nets (also called screens) is morecomplex. A net is formed from woven monofilament fibers with tapes woventhrough this net. These tapes can be based on aluminium and/or a broadvariety of polymers. In some cases, the monofilament net can belaminated on 1 or both sides with e.g. PE.

[0462] In general greenhouses and small tunnel covers are preferred. Theplants, which are grown in greenhouses and small tunnel covers and thegrowth of which can be enhanced by the instant invention are for exampleflowers, legumes, fruits and crop.

[0463] The following examples illustrate the invention.

EXAMPLE 1

[0464] Film Preparation and Additives Used

[0465] A three layer LDPE/EVA industrial film is prepared by blowmolding having the following structure: 200μ thickness, 50μ EVA 5%, 100μEVA 14% and 50μ EVA 5%.

[0466] The following additives are added in all three layers:

[0467] Film A) 1% compound 100, 1% Tinuvin NOR 371®, 0.35% Chimassorb81, 0.35% Tinuvin 327

[0468] Film B)—1% Tinuvin NOR 371®, 0.35% Chimassorb 81, 0.35% Tinuvin327

[0469] Compound 100 is the condensation product of4-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde and barbituric acid;

[0470] Tinuvin NOR 371® is a commercial sterically hindered amine fromCiba Specialty Chemicals Inc.

[0471] Chimassorb 81 is a commercial benzophenone type UV-absorber fromCiba Specialty Chemicals Inc.;

[0472] Tinuvin 327 is a commercial benzotriazole type UV-absorber fromCiba Specialty Chemicals Inc.

[0473] % is weight % based on the weight of the total polymer.

[0474] Film A contains the photoselective additive compound 100.

[0475] Film B is without the photoselective compound 100.

[0476] Agricultural Tests

[0477] Both films are compared in different agricultural tests performedin Pescia (Pisa, Italy).

[0478] The plants investigated are LILIUM and LIMONIUM.

[0479] Two different cultivars have been tested for Lilium: ‘O sole mio’and ‘Stargazer’

[0480] For Limonium the following cultivars have been tested: ‘Emille’and ‘Tall Emille’

[0481] Lilium and Limonium have been grown under small tunnels startingfrom the first week of April 2001.

[0482] Lilium harvesting started at the end of May 2001; Limoniumharvesting started at the end of July 2001.

[0483] The cultivation conditions are the standard conditions used inthe region.

[0484] Effects on Lilium and Limonium

[0485] The results are given in the following Tables. TABLE 1 Resultsfor Lilium CV ‘O sole mio’ Average length of stems (cm) Film A 47.7 FilmB 37.6 CV ‘Star Gazer’ Average length of stems Film A 72.3 Film B 32.7

[0486] TABLE 2 Results for Limonium: CV ‘Emille’ Stems per plant Averagelength of stems (cm) Film A 6.2 38.0 Film B 3.9 26.1 CV ‘Tall Emile’Stems per plant Average length of stems Film A 4.0 49.1 Film B 2.4 40.8

[0487] Effects on Carnation

[0488] Two cultivars, namely ‘Jack’ and ‘Samuela’, have been grown undertwo greenhouses one with film A and the other with film B. Thecultivation started on the Sep. 18, 2001 and harvesting started on theOct. 3, 2001. The cultivation conditions are the standard conditionsused in the region. TABLE 3 Results for Carnation Average length ofstems CV ‘Jack’ Number of flowers per m² (cm) Film A 27.2 95.2 Film B17.4 87.1 CV ‘Samuela’ Number of flowers per m² Average length of stemsFilm A 55.7 89.4 Film B 40.3 81.0

[0489] The effect on the production and quality of carnation by thephotoselective compound 100 is evident.

EXAMPLE 2

[0490] Film Preparation and Additives Used

[0491] 200μ thick polyethylene monolayer films are prepared by blowmolding by means of a Dolci blow extruder.

[0492] The following additives are added to the films: Film A) 1%compound 100, 0.7% Tinuvin NOR 371 ® Film B) 0.7% Tinuvin NOR 371 ®

[0493] Compound 100 is the condensation product of4-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde and barbituric acid;

[0494] Tinuvin NOR 371® is a commercial sterically hindered amine fromCiba Specialty Chemicals Inc.

[0495] % is weight % based on the weight of the polymer.

[0496] Film A contains the photoselective additive compound 100.

[0497] Film B is without the photoselective compound 100.

[0498] Agricultural Tests

[0499] Both films are compared in different agricultural tests performedin Pisa (Italy).

[0500] The plants investigated are Anthirrhium majus.

[0501] 40 plants of Anthirrhium majus have been planted in flowerpotsunder experimental small tunnels during the second week of September2002. The first stages of growth have been monitored, by assessing somestandard parameters of growth like fresh and dry weight and stem height.

[0502] The cultivation conditions are the standard conditions used inthe region.

[0503] The average parameters gathered at the harvesting of Anthirrhiummajus are reported in Table 4. TABLE 4 Results for Anthirrhium majusHeight (cm) Dry weight (g) Fresh weight (g) Film A 90.6 7.08 45.6 Film B80.4 5.9 37.9

1. A polymer composition for agricultural applications in the form offilms for greenhouses and small tunnel covers, films or filaments forshading nets and screens, mulch films, non-wovens or molded articles forthe protection of young plants comprising a) a thermoplastic polymer; b)the condensation product of

 wherein R₁₀₁ and R₁₀₂ are independently hydrogen or C₁-C₁₈ alkyl; c1) aUV-absorber; or c2) a sterically hindered amine, containing at least oneradical of the formula

 in which R is hydrogen or methyl: or c3) a UV-absorber and a stericallyhindered amine, containing at least one radical of the formula

 in which R is hydrogen or methyl:
 2. A polymer composition according toclaim 1 wherein the UV-absorber is selected from the group consisting ofbenzotriazole UV-absorbers, benzophenone UV-absorbers,hydroxyphenyl-triazine UV-absorbers and oxalic anilide UV-absorbers ormixtures thereof.
 3. A polymer composition according to claim 2 whereinthe hydroxybenzophenone is of formula I

the 2-hydroxyphenylbenzotriazole is of formula IIa, IIb or IIc

the 2-hydroxyphenyltriazine is of formula III

and the oxanilide is of formula (IV)

wherein in the compounds of the formula (I) v is an integer from 1 to 3and w is 1 or 2 and the substituents Z independently of one another arehydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl or alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbon atoms; inthe compounds of the formula (IIa), R₁ is hydrogen, alkyl having 1 to 24carbon atoms, phenylalkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkylmoiety, cycloalkyl having 5 to 8 carbon atoms or a radical of theformula

 in which R₄ and R₅ independently of one another are alkyl having ineach case 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or R₄, together with the radicalC_(n)H_(2n+1−m), forms a cycloalkyl radical having 5 to 12 carbon atoms,m is 1 or 2, n is an integer from 2 to 20 and M is a radical of theformula —COOR₆ in which R₆ is hydrogen, alkyl having 1 to 12 carbonatoms, alkoxyalkyl having in each case 1 to 20 carbon atoms in the alkylmoiety and in the alkoxy moiety or phenylalkyl having 1 to 4 carbonatoms in the alkyl moiety, R₂ is hydrogen, halogen, alkyl having 1 to 18carbon atoms, and phenylalkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkylmoiety, and R₃ is hydrogen, chlorine, alkyl or alkoxy having in eachcase 1 to 4 carbon atoms or —COOR₆ in which R₆ is as defined above, atleast one of the radicals R₁ and R₂ being other than hydrogen; in thecompounds of the formula (IIb) T is hydrogen or alkyl having 1 to 6carbon atoms, T₁ is hydrogen, chlorine or alkyl or alkoxy having in eachcase 1 to 4 carbon atoms, n is 1 or 2 and, if n is 1, T₂ is chlorine ora radical of the formula —OT₃ or

 and, if n is 2, T₂ is a radical of the formula

 or —O—T₉—O—; in which T₃ is hydrogen, alkyl which has 1 to 18 carbonatoms and is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 3 hydroxyl groups orby —OCOT₆, alkyl which has 3 to 18 carbon atoms, is interrupted once orseveral times by —O— or —NT₆— and is unsubstituted or substituted byhydroxyl or —OCOT₆, cycloalkyl which has 5 to 12 carbon atoms and isunsubstituted or substituted by hydroxyl and/or alkyl having 1 to 4carbon atoms, alkenyl which has 2 to 18 carbon atoms and isunsubstituted or substituted by hydroxyl, phenylalkyl having 1 to 4carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety, or a radical of the formula—CH₂CH(OH)—T₇ or

T₄ and T₅ independently of one another are hydrogen, alkyl having 1 to18 carbon atoms, alkyl which has 3 to 18 carbon atoms and is interruptedonce or several times by —O— or —NT₆—, cycloalkyl having 5 to 12 carbonatoms, phenyl, phenyl which is substituted by alkyl having 1 to 4 carbonatoms, alkenyl having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, phenylalkyl having 1 to 4carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety or hydroxyalkyl having 2 to 4 carbonatoms, T₆ is hydrogen, alkyl having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, cycloalkylhaving 5 to 12 carbon atoms, alkenyl having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, phenyl,phenyl which is substituted by alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms,phenylalkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety, T₇ ishydrogen, alkyl having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, phenyl which isunsubstituted or substituted by hydroxyl, phenylalkyl having 1 to 4carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety, or —CH₂OT₈, T₈ is alkyl having 1 to 18carbon atoms, alkenyl having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl having 5 to10 carbon atoms, phenyl, phenyl which is substituted by alkyl having 1to 4 carbon atoms, or phenylalkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in thealkyl moiety, T₉ is alkylene having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, alkenylenehaving 4 to 8 carbon atoms, alkynylene having 4 carbon atoms,cyclohexylene, alkylene which has 2 to 8 carbon atoms and is interruptedonce or several times by —O—, or a radical of the formula—CH₂CH(OH)CH₂OT₁₁OCH₂CH(OH)CH₂— or —CH₂—C(CH₂OH)₂—CH₂—, T₁₀ is alkylenewhich has 2 to 20 carbon atoms and can be interrupted once or severaltimes by —O—, or cyclohexylene, T₁₁ is alkylene having 2 to 8 carbonatoms, alkylene which has 2 to 18 carbon atoms and is interrupted onceor several times by —O—, 1,3-cyclohexylene, 1,4-cyclohexylene,1,3-phenylene or 1,4-phenylene, or T₁₀ and T₆, together with the twonitrogen atoms, are a piperazine ring; in the compounds of formula (IIc)R′₂ is C₁-C₁₂alkyl and k is a number from 1 to 4; in the compounds ofthe formula (III) u is 1 or 2 and r is an integer from 1 to 3, thesubstituents Y₁ independently of one another are hydrogen, hydroxyl,phenyl or halogen, halogenomethyl, alkyl having 1 to 12 carbon atoms,alkoxy having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 18 carbon atomswhich is substituted by a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl); if u is 1, Y₂ isalkyl having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, phenyl which is unsubstituted orsubstituted by hydroxyl, halogen, alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 18 carbonatoms; alkyl which has 1 to 12 carbon atoms and is substituted by —COOH,—COOY₈, —CONH₂, —CONHY₉, —CONY₉Y₁₀, —NH₂, —NHY₉, —NY₉Y₁₀, —NHCOY₁₁, —CNand/or —OCOY₁₁; alkyl which has 4 to 20 carbon atoms, is interrupted byone or more oxygen atoms and is unsubstituted or substituted by hydroxylor alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, alkenyl having 3 to 6 carbonatoms, glycidyl, cyclohexyl which is unsubstituted or substituted byhydroxyl, alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and/or —OCOY₁₁, phenylalkylwhich has 1 to 5 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety and is unsubstitutedor substituted by hydroxyl, chlorine and/or methyl, —COY₁₂ or —SO₂Y₁₃,or, if u is 2, Y₂ is alkylene having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, alkenylenehaving 4 to 12 carbon atoms, xylylene, alkylene which has 3 to 20 carbonatoms, is interrupted by one or more —O— atoms and/or is substituted byhydroxyl, —CH₂CH(OH)CH₂—O—Y₁₅—OCH₂CH(OH)CH₂, —CO—Y₁₆—CO—,—CO—NH—Y₁₇—NH—CO— or —(CH₂)_(m)—CO₂—Y₁₈—OCO—(CH₂)_(m), in which m is 1,2 or 3, Y₈ is alkyl having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, alkenyl having 3 to 18carbon atoms, alkyl which has 3 to 20 carbon atoms, is interrupted byone or more oxygen or sulfur atoms or —NT₆— and/or is substituted byhydroxyl, alkyl which has 1 to 4 carbon atoms and is substituted by—P(O)(OY₁₄)₂, —NY₉Y₁₀ or —OCOY₁₁ and/or hydroxyl, alkenyl having 3 to 18carbon atoms, glycidyl, or phenylalkyl having 1 to 5 carbon atoms in thealkyl moiety, Y₉ and Y₁₀ independently of one another are alkyl having 1to 12 carbon atoms, alkoxyalkyl having 3 to 12 carbon atoms,dialkylaminoalkyl having 4 to 16 carbon atoms or cyclohexyl having 5 to12 carbon atoms, or Y₉ and Y₁₀ together are alkylene, oxaalkylene orazaalkylene having in each case 3 to 9 carbon atoms, Y₁₁ is alkyl having1 to 18 carbon atoms, alkenyl having 2 to 18 carbon atoms or phenyl, Y₁₂is alkyl having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, alkenyl having 2 to 18 carbonatoms, phenyl, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, phenoxy, alkylaminohaving 1 to 12 carbon atoms or phenylamino, Y₁₃ is alkyl having 1 to 18carbon atoms, phenyl or alkylphenyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms in thealkyl radical, Y₁₄ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or phenyl, Y₁₅is alkylene having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, phenylene or a group-phenylene-M-phenylene-in which M is —O—, —S—, —SO₂—, —CH₂— or—C(CH₃)₂—, Y₁₆ is alkylene, oxaalkylene or thiaalkylene having in eachcase 2 to 10 carbon atoms, phenylene or alkenylene having 2 to 6 carbonatoms, Y₁₇ is alkylene having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, phenylene oralkylphenylene having 1 to 11 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety, and Y₁₈is alkylene having 2 to 10 carbon atoms or alkylene which has 4 to 20carbon atoms and is interrupted once or several times by oxygen; in thecompounds of the formula (IV) x is an integer from 1 to 3 and thesubstituents L independently of one another are hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxyor alkylthio having in each case 1 to 22 carbon atoms, phenoxy orphenylthio.
 4. A polymer composition according to claim 1 wherein thetotal amount of UV-absorber is from 0.005 to 5% based on the weight ofthe polymer.
 5. A polymer composition according to claim 1 wherein thesterically hindered amine is selected from the group consisting ofbis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate,bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)succinate,bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate,bis(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate,bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)n-butyl-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylmalonate, the condensate of1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-hydroxypiperidine and succinicacid, linear or cyclic condensates ofN,N′-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)hexamethylenediamine and4-tert-octylamino-2,6-di-chloro-1,3,5-triazine,tris(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)nitrilotriacetate,tetrakis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-1,2,3,4-butane-tetracarboxylate,1,1′-(1,2-ethanediyl)-bis(3,3,5,5-tetramethylpiperazinone),4-benzoyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine,4-stearyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine,bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidyl)-2-n-butyl-2-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzyl)-malonate,3-n-octyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decan-2,4-dione,bis(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl)succinate, linear or cycliccondensates ofN,N′-bis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)hexamethylenediamine and4-morpholino-2,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazine, the condensate of2-chloro-4,6-bis(4-n-butylamino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl)-1,3,5-triazine and 1,2-bis(3-aminopropylamino)ethane, the condensateof2-chloro-4,6-di-(4-n-butylamino-1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidyl)-1,3,5-triazineand 1,2-bis-(3-aminopropylamino)-ethane,8-acetyl-3-dodecyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decane-2,4-dione,3-dodecyl-1-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)pyrrolidin-2,5-dione,3-dodecyl-1-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)pyrrolidine-2,5-dione, amixture of 4-hexadecyloxy- and4-stearyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, a condensation product ofN,N′-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)hexamethylenediamine and4-cyclohexylamino-2,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazine, a condensation product of1,2-bis(3-aminopropylamino)ethane and 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine aswell as 4-butylamino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine (CAS Reg. No.[136504-96-6]); N-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-n-dodecylsuccinimid,N-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)-n-dodecylsuccinimid,2-undecyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro[4,5]decane, areaction product of7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-2-cycloundecyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxospiro[4,5]decane und epichlorohydrin,1,1-bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyloxycarbonyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethene,N,N′-bis-formyl-N,N′-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)hexamethylenediamine,diester of 4-methoxy-methylene-malonic acid with1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-hydroxypiperidine,poly[methylpropyl-3-oxy-4-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)]siloxane andreaction product of maleic acid anhydride-α-olefin-copolymer with2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-aminopiperidine,1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-aminopiperidine or a compound

in which n is from 1 to
 15. 6. A polymer composition according to claim1 wherein the sterically hindered amine compound is present in an amountof from 0.005 to 5% by weight, based on the weight of the polymer.
 7. Apolymer composition according to claim 1 wherein the condensationproduct is of formula (I) and/or (II)


8. A polymer composition according to claim 1 wherein R₁₀₁ and R₁₀₂ aremethyl.
 9. A polymer composition according to claim 1 wherein thecondensation product is present in an amount of from 0.005% to 10% byweight based on the weight of the thermoplastic polymer.
 10. A polymercomposition according to claim 1 wherein the thermoplastic polymer isselected from the group consisting of a polyolefin, a polyester, apolyvinylalcohol, a polyvinylacetate and a polycarbonate.
 11. A polymercomposition according to claim 1, which is in the form of a film with athickness from 10μ to 300μ.
 12. A polymer composition according to claim11 wherein the film is a multilayer construction of between 2 and 7polymer layers containing the condensation product, component b) and thecomponents c1), c2) or c3) according to claim 1 in at least 1 layer. 13.A polymer composition according to claim 1 containing an additionaladditive, selected from the group consisting of a phenolic antioxidant,a phosphite or phosphonite, a further fluorescent dye or pigment, aprocessing aid, a filler or reinforcing material and an antifogadditive.
 14. A process for enhancing plant growth, comprising exposinga plant to actinic radiation behind or under a thermoplastic polymercomposition according to claim
 1. 15. Use of the condensation product of

wherein R₁₀₁ and R₁₀₂ are independently hydrogen or C₁-C₁₈ alkyltogether with a UV-absorber; or a sterically hindered amine, containingat least one radical of the formula

 in which R is hydrogen or methyl; or a UV-absorber and a stericallyhindered amine, containing at least one radical of the formula

 in which R is hydrogen or methyl, as plant growth enhancing additive inthermoplastic polymers for agricultural applications in the form offilms for greenhouses and small tunnel covers, films or filaments forshading nets and screens, mulch films, non-wovens or molded articles forthe protection of young plants.
 16. A method of using the condensationproduct of

wherein R₁₀₁ and R₁₀₂ are independently hydrogen or C₁-C₁₈ alkyltogether with a UV-absorber; or a sterically hindered amine, containingat least one radical of the formula

 in which R is hydrogen or methyl; or a UV-absorber and a stericallyhindered amine, containing at least one radical of the formula

 in which R is hydrogen or methyl. as plant growth enhancing additive inthermoplastic polymers for agricultural applications in the form offilms for greenhouses and small tunnel covers, films or filaments forshading nets and screens, mulch films, non-wovens or molded articles forthe protection of young plants.